Words Hurts ,End Hate

17 May 2012

Words Hurt – End Hate

17 May each year marks International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), As GALZ, we mark this day to reflect on the daily struggles of lesbian gay bisexual transgender and Intersex people and their families in an environment where homophobia is almost institutionalized. Those who work to defend the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals see their rights to freedom of expression and assembly routinely violated, often with reference to nationalism

Homophobia is “the irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals”.

Political leaders in Zimbabwe have pandered to public prejudices against LGBTI individuals through public statements that justify the abuse and exclusion of anyone suspected of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. Political leaders not only condone these human rights abuses, but many celebrate them as part of Zimbabwean “culture.” High-level leaders, continue to fuel public prejudice against LGBTI individuals through public statements that endorse violence and abuse. In doing so, they ignore Zimbabwe’s voluntarily undertaken international human rights obligations to protect the rights of everyone under Zimbabwe’s jurisdiction without discrimination.

The constitutional reform process initiated in 2011 as the result of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) could to some extent, remedy this situation. Through this process, 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 and the members of the Constitution Select Committee, (COPAC), publicly have opposed the inclusion of LGBTI protections in the new constitution. The result has been that politicians continue to slander, vilify and dehumanise LGBTI Individuals

We call upon Zimbabweans to shun and condemn all forms of violence and discrimination relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

GALZ also calls on Zimbabwe’s government to ensure that the criminal justice system is not used to target or harass LGBTI organizations, their staff, and the lawyers who represent and support them, and that these organizations, their staff, and lawyers can carry out their work in defence of human rights without fear of reprisal or intimidation

Zimbabwe’s rich and diverse culture implores every citizen to be aware that we are all different and all unique. It is our differences that complete our humanity.

HOMOPHOBIA &TRANSPHOBIA HURTS

GALZ is conducting a research on LGBTI people’s perceptions towards HIV/AIDS as well as establishing the prevalence rate in the LGBTI community and the Women who have Sex with Women (WSW) and Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) constituency. The research ends on the 25th March. Please we need your participation in this important regional initiative. If you can also spread the word. For more information call 741736 0772 210 836 /830 or visit the GALZ offices.

zimbabwe flag

Presented By Geoffrey Ogwaro, Uganda

Thank you madam President.

The Sexual Rights Initiative is deeply concerned about the outright rejection of the constitutional protection of LGBTI people in Zimbabwe using the argument that the majority rejected LGBTI people in the ongoing constitutional process and that, therefore, the laws against LGBTI people are justified, is without foundation in a modern democratic society.

The state needs to recognise and accept the contribution of lesbian and gay people towards the development of Zimbabwe without pejorative reference to their sexual orientation. Zimbabwe is a signatory to and has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights hence has a responsibility to protect all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction without distinction of any kind. Zimbabwe needs to take all necessary legislative, administrative and other measures to ensure full enjoyment of freedom of opinion and expression, while respecting the rights and freedoms of others, without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

-We urge the state to enact without delay, The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Bill in order to ensure the functioning of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission in line with the Paris Principles

-We encourage the state to cease any State-sponsored or State-condoned attacks on the lives of persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and ensure that all such attacks, whether by government officials or by any individual or group, are investigated, and that, where appropriate evidence is found, those affected, have access to justice.

-Provide effective protection against violence, are and discrimination against all people including Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons through the enactment of comprehensive anti discrimination legislation.

In Solidarity,

Fikile Vilakazi
Programs Director
Coalition of African Lesbians
Tel: +27 11 918 2182/5507/6115
Fax: +27 11 918 5609
Email: fikile@cal.org.za
URL: www.cal.org.za
Skype: fikile.vilakazi

While most women are subjected to verbal, physical, sexual and psychological abuse, most LBT women experience stigma based on their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The reality for LBT women is that many broad rights are denied them on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes access to relevant health services, owing to lack of data and research around health issues affecting LBT women. These violations extend to areas of employment, access to information, public participation and justice. Such stigma takes the form of violence including homophobic motivated rape, sexual assault, harassment, and physical abuse perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.

Law enforcement agents harass, intimidate and blackmail LBT women. In most instances LBT women are unable to report cases of violence to law enforcement agents fearing further violence and stigma. The law criminalising homosexual acts influences societal perceptions about ‘female’ sexuality preventing LBT women from living openly and participating in their public life without fear and prejudice. LBT women are often excluded from campaigns for women’s rights. More so, some sections of the media promote homophobia, hate speech and discrimination against the broader LGBTI community, increasing the vulnerability of LBT women by reinforcing gender and heteronormative stereotypes leading to violence.

As GALZ we therefore recommend that:
> The State ensures that the law is inclusive of ALL women and in the application and interpretation of the law, all women are equal and all women have recourse to justice;
> The State should take positive measures to ensure the elimination of ALL forms of violence against women;
> The State recognises all women as equal with no restrictions and to actively prevent discrimination against groups and individual women;

GALZ wishes to congratulate Taurai Zhanje on entering the Mr Gay world Pageant to be held in Johannesburg South Africa .Being one of only four African contestants and the first from Zimbabwe is a historical feat that we are extremely proud of. Taurai naturally becomes our ambassador and role model for the Zimbabwean Gay Community. With the intense climate of homophobia existing in Zimbabwe and the restrictive legislation that makes it difficult for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender people to be open about their sexuality and to use public space in safety, Taurai has exhibited immense courage and boldness by entering the Mr. Gay World contest.

As GALZ we do not expect every individual Zimbabwean to embrace gay rights or the issue of homosexuality. But we do expect Zimbabweans to understand and promote the fundamental, inalienable and indivisible nature of human rights, including non-discrimination on the basis of race, gender, tribe, culture and sexual orientation. We Salute your bravery and hope that your participation will inspire us all to come out and celebrate our lives despite the very difficult circumstances we live in. Zimbabwe has institutionalised homophobia making it difficult for the LGBTI community to lead positive lives hence we are ecstatic about your participation as it demonstrates the resilient character Zimbabweans generally exhibit in overcoming challenges. We wish you all the best and hope that you will win the ultimate title. The Zimbabwean LGBTI Community is rallying behind you.

The COALITION OF AFRICAN LESBIANS (CAL), a pan African network of lesbian, bisexual and gender non-conforming people, organizations and individuals, calls upon every person who believes in the dignity, equality and freedom of every human being, to take note of and act urgently to halt the Anti-Homosexuality Bill which has just been re – tabled in Uganda. We look to African human rights activists and defenders, politicians, religious leaders, cultural leaders, scholars, lawyers, medical professionals, educators, parents and all human rights respecting and promoting individuals and institutions, to take such urgent action.
The draconian Bill was re-tabled in the Parliament of Uganda by Member of Parliament, David Bahati, on February 7, 2012. The Bill had its first reading and was referred to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for scrutiny. The Committee is expected to examine it and conduct public hearings, and then it will report back to the House for a formal debate on the Bill.

Background:
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 was first introduced in the Parliament of Uganda by Member of Parliament, David Bahati, as a Private Member’s Bill in October, 2009. The Bill proposes severe prison sentences, and in some cases the death penalty. It states that anyone who commits the offence of homosexuality will be liable to life imprisonment as the provisions, according to the Bill, are meant to “protect the traditional family by prohibiting any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex.” The Bill further states that “aggravated homosexuality” will be punished by death as it aims to ban all forms of expression advocating for homosexuality. It would also be an offence for a person who is aware of any violations of the Bill’s provisions not to report them to the authorities within 24 hours. Furthermore, the Bill proposes to criminalize the “promotion of homosexuality” which is a provision targeting civil society and human rights defenders. These and other provisions of the Bill go beyond targeting homosexuals, to affect families, human rights defenders, teachers, neighbors, friends, spiritual leaders, medical professionals, shop owners, to mention but a few.

Stand out and up against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 NOW. We have limited time. Resist this unconstitutional bill and take on one, some or all of the following actions;
1. Pass on this Call to Action to as many concerned Africans as you can and urge them to take action.

2. Write emails to and or call Ugandan Members of Parliament (MPs) urging them to resist and reject the Bill in its entirety because it is anti-human rights and affects every Ugandan in different ways. The full list of all 386 MPs can be found athttp://www.parliament.go.ug/mpdata/mps.hei Click on the MP’s name and you will get their email address and phone number. The MPs can also be contacted through social media such as Facebook. Just search for their name on Facebook and or Twitter.

3. Write to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and urge him to reject this draconian proposed Bill in its entirety. Urge him to discourage further debate and consideration of the Bill by Parliament and to decline to sign this unconstitutional Bils into law. (Contacts below)

4. Write, call or fax the Inspector General of Police in Uganda, Major General Kale Kaihura, and urge him to ensure the protection of the human rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Uganda and those who defend LGBT people. This includes protection from both state and non-state actors who have started to take the law in their hands by harassing and violating LGBT Ugandans. (Contacts below)

5. Write, fax and or call the Minister of Justice in Uganda, Hon. Major General Kahinda Otafire, and the State Minister of Justice Hon. Fred Ruhindi and urge them to speak out against the unconstitutionality of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 and to discourage any further debate on the Bill. (Contacts below)

6. Write to the Minister of Health in Uganda, Hon. Dr. Christine Ondoa and bring to her attention the implications of this Bill on the fight against HIV/AIDS and on access to medical services by LGBT citizens. (Contacts below)
.

7. Write to the Cardinal of Uganda, His Eminence Emmanuel Wamala, and the Arch Bishop of the Church of Uganda , The Most Revd Henry Luke Orombi and urge them to stand out and up and oppose the Bill in its entirety. Tell them that homosexuals need their protection. Point out, to the Cardinal of the Catholic Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church which says in Article 6, 2358: The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition. They are called to protect and not to remain silent amidst injustice and discrimination. (Contacts below)

8. Write, call, fax your Minister of Foreign Affairs and urge him/her to put pressure on the Government of Uganda against the further debating of the unconstitutional Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009.

For more information, please contact;

Victor Mukasa
Advocacy Advisor for East Africa
Coalition of African Lesbians
Tel: +27 11 918 2182
Mobile: +27 78 436 3635
Email: victor@cal.org.za

Fikile Vilakazi
Programs Director
Coalition of African Lesbians
Tel: +27 11 918 2182
Email: fikile@cal.org.za

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ACTION CONTACTS:

The President of the Republic of Uganda
H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Email: aak@statehouse.go.ug, cc: pps@statehouse.go.ug

The Inspector General of Police
Major-General Kale Kaihura
Tel: +256 414 258 114
Fax : +256 414 270 502

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
Hon Maj.Gen Kahinda Otafire
Email: mojca@africaonline.co.ug
Tel: +256-414- 230538
Fax: +256-414- 254829

State Minister of Justice
Hon. Fred Ruhindi
Email: fruhindi@parliament.go.ug

Minister of Health
Hon. Christine Ondoa
Tel: +256-414-340872
Mobile: +256772428346/ +256701428346
Fax: 256-41-4231584
Email: info@health.go.ug

The Cardinal of the Catholic Church
His Eminence Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala
Tel: +256 414 510389/510570/510544/510571
Fax: +256 41 510545

Archbishop of Uganda & and Bishop of Kampala
The Most Revd Henry Orombi
Email: abpcou@gmail.com
Tel: +256 414 270 218 / 9
Fax: +256 414 251 925

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Zimbabwe, a political, non-profit making, public-interest institution, is offering leadership training for young adults. The training will target young leaders with proven political interests and abilities. Young adults from political parties, trade unions, youth organizations, and tertiary institutions are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. The training shall provide young leaders from the full political spectrum of Zimbabwe with leadership skills and the opportunity for political networking. In a process that will run for about 8 months (1-2 weekends per month), participants will develop these skills in a group of about 20 co-participants.

FES will meet the cost of the actual training for the selected participants while any other associated costs will have to be borne by the participant.
Interested candidates should fulfill the following criteria:

1. Between 20-35 years of age
2. Team player
3. Proven political and social interests
4. Ability for political analysis and knowledge of political developments in the country
5. Be part of the programme throughout the whole training period
6. Females are particularly encouraged to apply

Please send your CV, and a one page justification why you should participate in the training to the following email address: info@fes-zimbabwe.org
The deadline for your application is Friday, April 29, 2011.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international human rights treaty that focuses on women’s rights and women’s issues worldwide. (It is also referred to as the Treaty for the Rights of Women and the International Bill of Rights for Women.) Developed by the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the Convention addresses the advancement of women, describes the meaning of equality and sets forth guidelines on how to achieve it.
It is not only an international bill of rights for women but also an agenda of action. Countries that ratify CEDAW agree to take concrete steps to improve the status of women and end discrimination and violence against women. By the Convention’s 10th anniversary in 1989, nearly 100 nations had ratified it. That number currently stands at 186 as the 20th anniversary draws near.
Interestingly enough, the United States is the only industrialized nation that refuses to ratify CEDAW. Neither will such countries as Sudan, Somalia, and Iran — three nations known for their human rights violations.
The Convention focuses on three key areas:
• civil rights and the legal status of women
• reproductive rights
• cultural factors influencing gender relations
Within each area, specific provisions are outlined. As envisioned by the UN, the Convention is an action plan that requires ratifying nations to eventually achieve full compliance with the rights and mandates described below:

• Civil Rights and Legal Status

Included are the rights to vote, to hold public office and to exercise public functions; rights to non-discrimination in education, employment and economic and social activities; equality of women in civil and business matters; and equal rights with regard to choice of spouse, parenthood, personal rights and command over property.

• Reproductive Rights

Included are provisions for fully shared responsibility for child-rearing by both sexes; the rights of maternity protection and child-care including mandated child-care facilities and maternity leave; and the right to reproductive choice and family planning.

• Cultural Factors Influencing Gender Relations

To achieve full equality, the traditional roles of women and men in the family and in society must change. Thus the Convention requires ratifying nations to modify social and cultural patterns to eliminate gender prejudices and bias; revise textbooks, school programs and teaching methods to remove gender stereotypes within the educational system; and address modes of behavior and thought which define the public realm as a man’s world and the home as a woman’s, thereby affirming that both genders have equal responsiblities in family life and equal rights regarding education and employment.

Countries that ratify the Convention are expected to work toward implementing the above named provisions. As evidence of these ongoing efforts, every four years each nation must submit a report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Composed of 23 experts nominated and elected by the ratifying nations, the Committee’s members are regarded as individuals of high moral standing and knowledge in the field of women’s rights. CEDAW annually reviews these reports and recommends areas requiring further action and ways to further eliminate discrimination against women.
According to the UN Division for the Advancement of Women:

The Convention is the only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and family relations. It affirms women’s rights to acquire, change or retain their nationality and the nationality of their children. States parties also agree to take appropriate measures against all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of women.

GALZ and CEDAW
The Gender Office of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe took advantage of CEDAW review to highlight challenges experienced by lesbians, bisexual women and transgender persons due to State sanctioned discrimination. The Gender Office’s rationale is that Lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) people living in Zimbabwe are confronted by systemic discrimination on a daily basis by the patriarchal hegemony that prevails within communities and primarily instituted by the State.
This degree of State power creates a culture of fear, hatred and exclusion. The consequences for LGBT communities are multiple and severe. Some of these consequences include extreme forms of poverty, denial of access to government services such as health and safety. The continued attacks on the bodies of Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transwomen and Transmen are experienced as a daily struggle for survival. There is limited space to exercise any form of expression pertaining to sexuality. Our desire to live without fear and to freely move in spaces with an assertive form of agency and to live in a society that appreciates and respects human rights is a goal we are fighting to achieve.
Irrespective of our sexual orientation women in Zimbabwe are not free to live and challenge collective norms and values based on the pervasive notion of culture, religion and tradition that dictates that women’s livelihoods. Heteronormativity is subjectively based on the power-constructions of male-domination, political interference and the rise of religious fundamentalism. Women have been forced to carry out assigned roles and responsibilities and any deviation from these stereotypes results in the vilification and isolation from one’s family, community and public life at large.

The Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) recently made a submission to the Constitutional Parliamentary Committee of Zimbabwe (COPAC). The 25 member panel is tasked with developing, designing and recommending a draft/new constitution. GALZ took part in the public participation process and has lobbied the committee to take a serious stand on the rights of marginalised people in Zimbabwe, particularly Lesbians, Gays, Transmen and Transwomen and not miss the opportunity to include sexual orientation in its new constitution. The submission titles, “Sexual Orientation and Zimbabwe’s Constitution – A case for inclusion” clearly states that the Constitution should respect the rights of LGBT Zimbabweans must be included in the constitution.

The report submitted by GALZ to the CEDAW Secretariat covers cases of violations experienced by LBT people in Harare and Bulawayo. Most cases are linked to public participation of LBT people in national and international processes such as 16 Days of Activism and the Constitutional Reform Process. The report also highlights challenges related to discrimination of LBT people and how these impact on establishing a family, accessing education and health for LBT people.

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participants of Tinzwei project

21 NOVEMBER 2011

GALZ’s vision is ‘a just society that promotes and protects human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Intersex people as equal citizens in Zimbabwe’. GALZ wishes to refute inaccurate statements attributed to the GALZ Director, which were contained in an article in the Daily News of 21 November 2011. GALZ would like to state that it does not keep a database of lesbian, gay bisexual, transgendered and intersex people in Zimbabwe regardless of their political affiliation. GALZ respects the privacy of all individuals and it is against its policy to expose any individual’s sexual orientation.

GALZ’s position on exposing perceived lesbian gay bisexual transgendered and Intersex people is in tandem with human rights principles relating to privacy and non-discrimination. GALZ remains ethical and professional in its promotion and protection of human rights of LGBTI people at all levels.

We note however that these statements contradict his views expressed in March 2010, when Mr Tsvangirai agreed with President Mugabe, saying, “Gay rights were not up for discussion in Zimbabwe.”

Gay rights are a controversial issue in Zimbabwe, where many people view homosexuality as “uncultural.” GALZ does not expect every individual Zimbabwean to embrace gay rights or the issue of homosexuality. But we do expect Zimbabweans – and our political leaders in particular – to understand and promote the fundamental, inalienable and indivisible nature of human rights, including non-discrimination on the basis of race, gender, tribe, culture, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

Zimbabwe’s new, democratic constitution must enshrine these human rights, which are inherent to every human being, and are not determined by majority opinion. We encourage the Prime Minister to take positive action to support his most recent statement on the indivisibility of human rights.

PM on LGBTI rights