Women’s representative body lobbies for repeal of ...

Women’s representative body lobbies for repeal of law prohibiting dealing in sex toys, argues it violates right to sexual pleasure

Zim Now Writer

The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) is challenging the Customs and Excise Act which prohibits the importation of sex toys (dildos), saying the law violates women’s right to pleasure.

WALPE executive director Sitabile Dewa has since lodged a court application challenging the legality of Section 47(1) b of the Customs and Excise Act which criminalises importation of goods regarded as indecent, obscene or objectionable.

Dewa and WALPE are being represented by human rights lawyer Jeremiah Bamu of Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners.

She is arguing that the law is draconian, and archaic and infringes on women’s rights to sexual pleasure, the right to choice and association.

The law was recently used to convict Ayanda Muponda, a socialite who was involved in the sell of sex toys.

Muponda was sentenced to a two-year prison term which was wholly suspended on condition she does not repeat the offence and performs 640 hours or community service.