• Gender
• Zimbabwe

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An organization which represents the interests of sexual minorities in Zimbabwe, The Sexual Rights Centre (SRC), has taken a swipe at the President of the Chief’s Council for making a homophobic utterance that there is no place for sexual minorities in the new Constitution.

 In a statement, the Centre said it noted with concern statements on homosexuality that appeared in the Sunday News of 7-13 February, 2010 from the President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira.

In the article titled "Chiefs say gays have no place in new constitution of Zimbabwe", Chief Charumbira is quoted as saying that homosexuality is “a social wrong that progressive minds should resist” and that it is “alien to Zimbabwe and is a taboo.” Chief Charumbira is also quoted as saying that “even the platform to discuss such issues should not be accorded.”

The Sunday News continued to quote Chief Charumbira saying that Uganda has passed a law that says homosexuals should be killed and that traditional leaders in Zimbabwe will soon advocate for that too, if some sectors of the population continue to call for the recognition of the rights of homosexuals in the new Constitution.

Chief Charumbira’s statements are discriminatory and inaccurate. Chief Charumbira’s statements reveal a clear lack of understanding and appreciation of human rights and sexual rights in particular. These rights include the right to life, liberty and security, the right to freedom of expression and access to information, the right to equal protection and non-discrimination, the right to family and the right to health. The Chief’s statements are inflammatory and disregard the democratic process of a people-driven Constitution.

The Sexual Rights Centre strongly feels that the Sunday News has demonstrated irresponsible journalism by not printing a reasoned and balanced article about this issue.

As an organisation we work with sexual minorities to reduce stigma and discrimination, increase understanding and awareness, and emphasize best and ethical practice in programmes working with Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Inter-sex (LGBTI) persons. We frame LGBTI issues within the context of human rights and we encourage the nation to uphold the rights of every individual and to respect them.

The Sexual Rights Centre encourages journalists and editors to present both sides of the debate and not allow one-dimensional and ill-informed opinions to dominate the media. It is essential that traditional leaders, government officials and those involved in the constitution-making process should respect the views of all.