GAY RIGHTS COME TO FORE IN ZAMBIA’S POLITICS

Zambia’s homophobic Vice President George Kunda – who in May 2010 said that homosexuality could lead to “sadism and Satanism” – has called on his opponents to make their stance on gay rights known, reports the Lusaka Times.

Speaking at a public rally on Thursday, Kunda urged Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema to denounce homosexuality.

“With this type of leadership, Zambia will be a rogue State. I am challenging [Mr Sata] to deny he is supporting homosexuality and gay rights in Zambia,” Kunda said.

“Mr Hichilema has gone into an alliance with Mr Sata. Does he believe in what Mr Sata is doing? Does he also believe in homosexuality and gay rights?” he asked.

In March last year, Archbishop Desmond Tutu slammed African politicians for creating an anti-gay climate on the continent.

“Politicians who profit from exploiting this hate, from fanning it, must not be tempted by this easy way to profit from fear and misunderstanding,” he wrote in a letter published by the Washington Post.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.