MDC TO IMPROVE LOT OF ZIM GAYS?

Behind the Mask reports that an MDC government could be more positive towards gays and lesbians in Zimbabwe than Mugabe’s current regime.

The website quotes MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa as saying that the political party, which won the majority of parliamentary seats in recent elections, will build a new Zimbabwe for all its citizens irrespective of sexual orientation.

“Our vision is to build a Zimbabwe that has sufficient space and comfort for all”, he reportedly said.

The website warns however that, “LGBTI organisations in Zimbabwe are not sure if it’s just a lip service to garner support.”

The country remains embroiled in a dispute over the presidential results. While MDC head Morgan Tsvangirai received more votes than President Robert Mugabe, these were not sufficient to avoid a run-off election which has yet to be scheduled.

Mugabe, who has ruled the country for 28 years, has previously described homosexuality as an “abomination” and gays as being “lower than pigs and dogs,” adding that “I don’t believe they have any rights at all.”

Homosexuality is illegal under the country’s Sodomy and Unnatural Offences laws.