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GALZ
partner update
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ)
January 22, 2013
Introduction
As we enter
2013, let us remember that there can be no place in the new Zimbabwe
for hate speech or the persecution of any sector of our population
based on race, gender, tribe, culture, sexual orientation or political
affiliation. All of us are entitled to our own opinions on certain
values and beliefs, but in order to move our nation forward and
achieve national reconciliation and healing, we have to uphold and
foster the fundamental principle of tolerance, including tolerance
of people that have chosen to live, believe and vote differently
from ourselves.
The Zimbabwean
parliament
has the opportunity to bring the constitution into compliance with
its international human rights obligations and explicitly prohibit
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
So far, this potential has not been fulfilled, not least because
high-level politicians from both major political parties, including
President Robert Mugabe publicly opposes the inclusion of LGBTI
protections in the new constitution. The result has been that politicians
continue to slander, vilify and dehumanise LGBTI Individuals. GALZ
continues to be the target of harassment and frequent raids.
Update
on the Cases
GALZ through
its lawyers filed a high court application in November 2012 challenging
two issues, The registration where we are highlighting that we are
not a private voluntary organisation and stating that we are a lawful
organisation in terms of the common law of Zimbabwe as set out in
section 89 of the Constitution
of Zimbabwe.
We are also
challenging the defective warrant that was used to raid
the GALZ office and confiscate its equipment. The lawyers will file
a new suit after the expiration of the 60 days notice of intention
to sue which expires on 22 January 2013.
On the
Move
GALZ has had
some staff changes in December 2012. The Gender Officer's
contract was terminated with effect from the 19th of December 2012.
GALZ is in the process of recruiting a programme officer and in
the interim it has taken on two women to handle the affairs of LBT
women in GALZ. Florence and Diana have assumed officer positions
in this department on a 3 months contract whilst recruitment is
taking place. We have also created a Women's Task force from
amongst the membership of Women to support these two women in the
office.
The GALZ Information
and communications officer, Miles Tanhara resigned with effect from
the 1st of February. He is seeking asylum in Sweden. GALZ will be
recruiting once the board makes a decision in line with the strategic
plan.
Getting
Connected
In light of
the raid, GALZ official email communication was disturbed. We are
happy to inform you that we are now back online with a new secure
domain. Please get in touch with us on
Director - director@galz.co
(Chesterfield Samba)
Programmes
- Progs@galz.co
(Samuel Matsikure)
Membership services - service@galz.co
(Lewis Kunze)
Women - Womyn@galz.co
(Florence) or Womyn2@galz.co
(Diana)
Bulawayo - byodep@galz.co
(Nhlanhla)
We have also
resumed operations from the office and our Office Lines remain +263-4-741736
/ 740614 / 740610
Our mobile lines
remain unchanged.
We are still
in the hunt for alternative office and or meeting space. Your support
in this regard would be appreciated.
We Value
Your Support
We thank you
for your valued support in 2012 and we look forward to a better
2013
Visit the GALZ
fact
sheet
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
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