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Statement on alleged rape of 61 year old by employer
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ)
February 27, 2012

GALZ is outraged by media reports that a 61-year-old gardener was sodomised by his employer against his will and that the employer has been acquitted under unclear circumstances (Sunday Mail 26 February 2012 page 6).

It is clear that distinctions need to be made between consensual and enforced sodomy given the fact that the man now faces a lot of social stigma and reported ill health as a result of the RAPE. The man was traumatized and has been negatively and severely affected by the incident as evidenced by his failure to report to the Police and being unable to confide in his wife earlier. We are disturbed by reports that the man has unsuccessfully tried to seek justice with the courts and the Attorney General's office. This has led to a situation of injustice. GALZ deplores any abuse of power and the forcing of individuals to commit involuntary sexual acts. Behaviour of this nature cannot be condoned in any court and must be totally condemned.

GALZ calls for reform regarding the definition of sodomy in order that justice may be restored: consensual sodomy should not be equated with non-consensual sodomy, in fact, consensual sodomy should be wiped from the statutes and enforced sodomy should be called rape.

GALZ is campaigning for the decriminalisation of consensual sodomy and other consensual sexual acts between adults in the privacy of their own homes. We call on the Attorney General to investigate the matter and give justice to the affected man.

We repeat our call on the need for clarity, certainty and consistency on the law on sodomy.

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