Metro

Botswana LGBTQ community battles religious bodies over same-sex bill

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2023

LGBTQ rights activists in Botswana and Christian communities have clashed over a controversial same-sex bill which has been presented before the country’s parliament for consideration.

The tension between the two groups peaked after members of the evangelical church community organized a protest march on Saturday against the bill that could decriminalize same-sex relations.

But the LGBTQ community have kicked against the religious body after a 2019 High Court ruling supported LGBTQ rights in Botswana, a situation that has sparked a clash between the two groups, as the National Assembly gets set to debate the controversial bill this week.

The High Court had ruled that consensual same-sex relations were unconstitutional in the country but Tshiamo Rantao, the lawyer who represented the LGBTQ community in the 2019 case, said parliament had no mandate to debate the bill, but instead must respect the judgement.

However, members of the LGBTQ community are not pleased with religious leaders who they accuse of trying to influence the legislators.

Executive Director of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), Thato Moruti, who addressed a press conference on Tuesday, said it was sad that religious leaders would concern themselves with issues affecting gay people.

“I believe that the church might be starting a very dangerous trend by manipulating the legislators and the courts,” said Moruti.

“It is important that we understand that the church’s move may be causing some sort of destabilization of democracy in the country because they are trying to push this Christian fundamentalism on Botswana.

“It is important that we push for non-combative approaches especially with all organizations and institutions. This, I believe, will allow for trust with stakeholders and also foster progress on common justice goals.

“It is also important to focus on issues of prevention and not redress. It is very important that we seek to prevent human rights abuses before they occur,” Moruti said.

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Metro

Lungu: Zambian law association calls for respect of court decisions

Published

18 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has called on citizens to respect court decisions amid widespread criticism over the barring of ex-President Edgar Lungu from contesting the 2026 presidential election by the Constitutional Court.

The association, while reacting to the ruling, urged those affected by the court’s judgement to respect its decision.

The Constitutional Court had determined that Lungu was ineligible to contest future elections, having already served two terms as Republican President, but the ruling has generated criticism from Lungu and opposition figures who see it as a ploy by President Hakainde Hichilema to silence the opposition.

However, LAZ, in a statement issued by its President Lungisani Zulu, noted that the decision departs from the Court’s earlier rulings in cases such as Daniel Pule and Others vs Attorney General and Others, Bampi Aubrey Kapalasa and Another vs The Attorney General, and Legal Resources Foundation vs Edgar Lungu and the Attorney General.

Zulu expressed concern over the potential risks posed by inconsistent rulings from the apex court, cautioning that such fluctuations could erode public confidence in the Judiciary.

However, Zulu reiterated the importance of respecting the Court’s authority.

“Under Part 8 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, judicial authority, derived from the people of Zambia, is vested in the courts, which have the final say on constitutional interpretation,” he stated.

Zulu further stressed that the Constitutional Court plays a critical role in settling constitutional disputes and underscored the need for citizens to uphold the integrity of governance institutions, including the judiciary.

“At the same time, in line with Article 118 of the Constitution, we strongly remind the Judiciary to ensure that judicial power is exercised in a just and fair manner,” he added.

The LAZ President expressed hope that consistent and fair judicial decisions would enhance accountability and maintain public confidence in the Judiciary, a cornerstone of Zambia’s democratic governance.

Metro

Nigeria: President Tinubu’s reforms, economic policies yielding positive results— Minister

Published

18 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has backed the reforms and economic policies embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu since coming into office in 2023, saying they are yielding significant positive results despite the hardship currently being faced by citizens.

Matawalle, who disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director, Information and Public Relations in Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said Tinubu’s policies, which include the new tax reforms and several key reforms across various sectors, were already contributing to a turnaround in the country’s economy and would, in the long run, be of benefit to all Nigerians.

The former Zamfara State governor also urged critics of the Tinubu administration, particular those from Northern Nigeria, to be positive in their narrations.

“In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, I urge critics to be positive in their narratives,” he said in the statement.

“I also call on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.

“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalise our economy through a series of effective policies, programmes, and reforms.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognise the positive changes taking place,” the minister said.

Highlighting the new tax reforms, Matawalle described them as pivotal elements in the country’s economic turnaround, emphasizing that the reforms were designed to create a more equitable tax system, which would enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

“These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle explained.

According to him, this will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.