A tapestry of voices: Zim’s parly debates LGBTQI r...

A tapestry of voices: Zim’s parly debates LGBTQI rights

Philemon Jambaya

In a vibrant tapestry of voices, Zimbabwean parliamentarians recently weighed in on the rainbow of LGBTQI rights at a workshop organised by Katswe Sistahood.

On one side, voices rang out in hues of crimson and amber, arguing that the country must not grant LGBTQI people the freedom to openly exercise their sexual rights.

“This is for the simple reason that we are very much interested in the continued existence of the human race,” said Bikita South legislator and chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Energy Mutodi.

“It’s something that the society is trying to understand, but we are saying we don’t want our people practising homosexuality.

“God created Adam and Eve and didn’t create Adam and Adam,” added Hurungwe East legislator, Chenjerai Kangausaru.

“There are certain rights that are against what God created, so we will not stand one day and pass a law that allows same-sex marriages.”

Midlands proportional representation legislator Tsitsi Zhou (Zanu PF) also expressed her opposition to LGBTQI rights: “If you look at the country’s demography, the youths have a dominant population and, therefore, when we meet we should avoid discussing such issues that are against our country’s Constitution in case we give them ideas.

“As legislators, we are here to hear the challenges our children are going through and to protect them, but never in any instance will we encourage them to engage in such acts. They should remove it from their minds.”

On the other side of the debate, voices soared in hues of cerulean and emerald, advocating for the equal rights and protections of all Zimbabweans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Discrimination against LGBTQI people is a violation of their human rights,” said one parliamentarian.

“We need to create a society where everyone is accepted and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“LGBTQI people are already part of Zimbabwean society,” said another parliamentarian.

“Denying them their rights only serves to marginalise and oppress them.”

The debate was a cacophony of colours, resonating with the diverse perspectives of Zimbabwe’s parliamentarians. But through the cacophony, a common thread emerged: the importance of protecting the rights of all Zimbabweans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In the midst of this vibrant tapestry, the voices of LGBTQI Zimbabweans echoed with a poignant refrain: “We are here, we are queer, and we will not be silenced.”

“We deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else,” said one LGBTQI activist.

“We are part of Zimbabwean society, and we will not be erased.”