Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security says his Ministry is working in close collaboration with the Zambia Police Service in addressing issues pertaining to the rising homosexuality acts in the country.
In a ministerial statement read in the National Assembly, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwimbu mentioned that Zambia is a Christian nation whose governance is anchored on Christian values and morals.
“The government stands firm that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) practice is illegal in Zambia,” Mr Mwimbu stated
Mwimbu disclosed that the Zambia Police Service have so far recorded a total number of 18 cases of sodomy country wide as from the 1st of January 2022 to the 20th of September 2022.
He added that Lusaka province has recorded seven (7) cases of sodomy with five (5) arrests made and two (2) are under investigation, and on the Copperbelt seven (7) cases have been recorded, with six (6) arrests and one (1) case still under investigation, while Muchinga province has recorded one (1) case and one (1) arrest.
Mr Mwiimbu further added that the Tazara division in Mpika recorded one (1) case and with one (1) person arrested, which resulted in a conviction and sentencing to seven (7) years imprisonment with hard labour, while Eastern and Western provinces recorded one (1) case and one (1) arrest each respectively.
“And currently the Police are investigating four (4) suspects, two (2) of which are from Lusaka one (1) from the Copperbelt and one (1) from Western province,” Mr Mwiimbu revealed
The Minister has since warned that anyone found practicing and promoting any unnatural offences shall be liable to prosecution in the court of laws.
Mr Mwimbu reaffirmed the government’s position on the need for citizens to uphold the moral values and principles of society in line with the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
And stating firmly the government’s stance on the recent controversial Lusaka July event which was characterized by homosexuality expressions and the recent cases of sodomy recorded in the country, Mr Mwiimbu disclosed in Parliament that any acts of homosexuality will not be condoned in the country.
Mr Mwiimbu noted that the government did not sponsor the Lusaka July event as purported in some sections of the media, but merely participated in the launch after the organizers asked the Ministry of Tourism and Arts to partner with them to market the event as a fashion show, with the aim to promote fashion tourism.
The Minister cited that in accordance with the law, homosexuality is a criminal activity that should be treated as such, adding that the government will ensure that such behavior and conduct are prevented to ensure national morals and values are adhered to.
Mr Mwiimbu described the acts of sodomy as a criminal act that has the potential to destroy the country’s moral fiber hence, the need for leaders across political, religious and community divide to work at rooting out this vice, and morals of the country are not eroded.
Mr Mwiimbu explained that President Hakainde Hichilema has on many occasions made pronouncements on this matter, that the government does not and will not accept any acts of homosexuality.
The Minister stated that the issue of homosexuality should not be trivialized by bringing in political connotations, as he has heard of mischievous leaders who have been stating that the United Party for National Development (UPND) has not been condemning the acts of homosexuality, when it has been done on several occasions.
“We have made commitments that this country will not condone homosexuality,” Mr Mwiimbu said
