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This article participates on the following special index pages:
New Constitution-making process - Index of articles
Traditional
leaders undermine the democratic process: Chief Charumbira says
sexual minorities have no place in new constitution
Sexual Rights Centre
February 12, 2010
The Sexual Rights
Centre noted with concern statements on homosexuality that appeared
in the Sunday News of 7-13 February, 2010 from the President of
the Chiefs' Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira.
In the article
entitled, Chiefs say gays have no place in new constitution of Zimbabwe,
Chief Charumbira is quoted as saying that homosexuality is "a
social wrong that progressive minds should resist" and that
it is "alien to Zimbabwe and is a taboo". Chief Charumbira
is also quoted as saying that "even the platform to discuss
such issues should not be accorded".
The Sunday News
continued to quote Chief Charumbira saying that Uganda has passed
a law that says homosexuals should be killed and that traditional
leaders in the country will soon advocate for that if some sectors
of the population continue to call for the recognition of the rights
of homosexuals in the new constitution.
Chief Charumbira's
statements are discriminatory and inaccurate. Chief Charumbira's
statements reveal a clear lack of understanding and appreciation
of human rights and sexual rights in particular. These rights include
the right to life, liberty and security, the right to freedom of
expression and access to information, the right to equal protection
and non-discrimination, the right to family and the right to health.
The Chief's statements are inflammatory and disregard the
democratic process of a people-driven Constitution.
The Sexual Rights
Centre strongly feels that the Sunday News has demonstrated irresponsible
journalism by not printing a reasoned and balanced articles about
this issue.
As an organisation
we work with sexual minorities to reduce stigma and discrimination,
increase understanding and awareness, emphasize best and ethical
practice in programmes working with Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Inter-sex
(LGBTI) persons. We frame the LGBTI issues within the context of
human rights and we encourage the nation to uphold the rights of
every individual and to respect them.
The Sexual Rights
Centre encourages journalists and editors to present both sides
of the debate and not allow one-dimensional and ill-informed opinions
to dominate the media.
It is essential
that traditional leaders, government officials and those involved
in the constitution making process should respect the views of all
groups and should ensure that everyone's voice is heard.
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