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Is Speaking on Gay Rights a Crime in Sata’s Zambia?
The arrest of human rights activist Paul Kasonkomona deserves condemnation by all Zambians of good will. If speaking in favor of gay rights is a crime, then our democracy is hollow. Free speech is among the many values that democracy upholds. Of course, the Acting President, Edgar Lungu, justified the arrest on the premise that “the bible is against” same-sex relations and that people with money are behind gay rights – hence “we better remain poor” than grant gays their rights. It is clear that Mr. Lungu does not know that he is not acting Bishop but President. With due respect, the Bible is not the constitution of Zambia.
That said, I want to remind Mr. Lungu that he will not remain poor – he has already accumulated a lot through undeserved allowances he receives, while the majority languish in perpetual poverty. “We,” the people, will remain poor whether we accept gay rights or not. However, Mr. Lungu’s utterances are also indicative of how gay rights are perceived – is all about money which is false.
In my article, “Why Not Gay Rights – A Priest’s View,” I challenged our religious hypocrisy of using biblical verses when they suit our tastes. My point was that every human being is sacred. If anything, we are one big family, God’s family. My mother, my twin brother, my younger brothers and sisters may disagree with me on this issue. But that does not make us enemies. We are a family and that is more important to us than our perceived differences. If anything, my brothers and sisters would defend me should you attack me.
As Zambians, we should consider ourselves as one family. We carry one passport and share one name, Mother Zambia. We are all endowed with inherent rights and Dignity by the Creator. I know you can cite versus from the Bible to make your case, but the bible tells me that we are all children of God. I am not saying that there is no room for disagreements, but those differences shouldn’t rob us of our dignity.
I read every comment that was posted on my article. You may call me whatever you want, but I will never diminish your dignity. Being an Ethicist, I won’t waste time reciting counter-verses. What I want to know, however, is how being gay affects your lifestyle, your family, your marriage and of course your faith as a Christian.
Some critics cited Sodom and Gomorrah. However, they missed the ethical point of that story. The moral actor in that story is not God but Abraham, who was a righteous man. Unlike most Christians today, Abraham pleaded with God to stop the destruction of“sinners” in those two cities. I know this story is highly complex for people without ethical training but the point is that despite being a holy man, Abraham did not condemn Sodom and Gomorrah to hell – rather he wrestled with God to try and save it. Likewise, your duty is to pray for us sinners and not to kill us! Some critics used the meme, “love the sinner and hate the sin.” Yet their responses were full of insults, hatred and demonization. It is one thing for you to attack me as the author of this article but it is another to insult innocent people. Please insult me to your liking but not sexual minorities.
Let me take this opportunity to remind you that the culture of insults in detrimental to democracy. In case you don’t know, I have always defended human rights for all and I mean all – women, boys, girls, gays, straight, prostitutes, drunkards and even murderers. I believe that sin does not take away our humanity. This is why I oppose capital punishment and any form of brutality by those in power.
Coming back to gay rights, I kept a low profile on this issue – especially when it came to Zambia. But there are kairos moments when taking a stand is all we have to do. I am a defender of gay rights and I am not apologetic about it. I fully understand that defending human rights demands courage – that is why it is a struggle. We only get human rights by putting our lives on the line. When women began the battle for their rights, some were killed. When our liberation heroes began their struggles, some were killed and others stayed in prison for decades. But justice cannot be denied – the oppressed are always the victors. As for those who wondered whether I am gay, my answer is – what difference does it make? Oppression of our fellow human beings is not a Christian or African value.
As a Zambian, I am highly concerned with lack of civility in how we debate issues. We seem to strive on the culture of insults – from politicians to Christians. It is a shame that in the nation that prides itself in Christian values, we see nothing wrong with the comments that threaten to kill gays.
My sisters and brothers, Jesus calls us to love even our enemies. Demeaning the humanity of another person is not a virtue but a vice. You don’t need reminding that the first step to genocide is demeaning your opponents’ humanity. The Rwanda genocide is an excellent example. The Tutsi were dehumanized as cockroaches – thereby justifying their slaughter. The same thing happened to the Jews in Nazi Germany.
But, the dehumanization of gays seems to follow a pattern. When MMD was losing popularity, it attached the gay issue to PF. Today, the PF government wants to employ the gay issue to distract from real issues facing our nation – corruption, lack of rule of law and shortages. By the way, Mr. Lungu, if there is someone who should be in jail, it is GBM and Winter Kabimba – and not the innocent Paul Kasonkomona.
I know that most of us believe that the arrest of Paul is is justified because he is a gay rights activist. The truth is, the persecution of gay rights activists says much about our democracy. It started with the arrest of citizens for speaking against President Sata. Then Nevers Mumba, HH, Rupiya Banda and now Paul. Unless we put a stop to this madness, tomorrow we should not complain when they come for us.
Let me end by challenging the Acting President and Madam Kanjera to issue my warrant of arrest since I am a proud gay rights advocate. You don’t need to investigate, the evidence is all over – from Tufweko to the United Nations.
Reverend Kapya Kaoma
Posted by Admin
on April 10, 2013. Filed under LATEST NEWS.
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d'choncho nomba
April 10, 2013 at 3:28 pm
so if and when his son gets raped by a gay guy,the rev.will defend gay rights!! How foolish…
inspector is back
April 10, 2013 at 3:32 pm
@jane..listen u can not save 2 masters at once..if u believe in d bible u wud knw that a gud tree cnnot bare evil fruit n u cn nt share on the table of gud dowers and evil dowers..u chuz one n if ma son is gay i wud tak him 4 prayers 2 b deliverd of ths demonic act…n u shud knw tht my son cn only b gay if i ws gay bt am nt n the bible say parents shud teach their children the word of God so tht they fear him.
Janet c
April 10, 2013 at 3:36 pm
@ inspector is back – awe shuwa uli chipuba sana – what makes you think your son is not gay???? I am just trying to save you from yourself – ppl have fasted and prayed and even tried to beat the ‘gay demons’ out of young men – to no avail
If you are truly a Christian, then you would not condemn another human being – God would never utter the words you are uttering. God would actually defend gays
So your so-called Christianity is very mis-placed. If Jesus were to come down today, all of us would go to hell together with the gays
Jey
April 10, 2013 at 3:56 pm
You would go to hell alone with your lesbianism and Gayism, I will not follow you because I know my purpose on earth.
Half-Way Crook
April 11, 2013 at 9:55 am
“God would actually defend gay.” Madam are you sure God would defend sinners? Madam have you really read the BIBLE or you just think that since the statement sounds nice and compassionate then it has to be in the BIBLE?
Akaice ne fimina
April 10, 2013 at 3:39 pm
The reason why Mr Gay-Rights Kasonkomona is sent to jail is for him to meet face-to-face with the animals whose rights he is fighting for. When he comes out, believe me, he won’t be the same guy who went in.
Half-Way Crook
April 11, 2013 at 10:09 am
Correct, though they shouldn’t rape him as he will just induce the HIV virus into our prison set-up and make life for our beloved in-mates even more difficult. Or maybe let the officer in-charge give our beloved in-mates condoms for their own protection.
inspector again
April 10, 2013 at 4:00 pm
@janet..ati ‘what makes u thnk ur son is nt gay?’..thts bcoz i dnt hav a son ******…n u r wrong God wud nt take the side of gays so chipuba ndiwe coz u dnt even knw tht the God u serve does not associate with sinners..
kakolwe
April 10, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Iwe janet c. I have taught you so many times b4, We co-exist with all forms of sin. NONE of these ‘sins’ or deviations should normalise themselves into RIGHTS!
hunk
April 10, 2013 at 4:46 pm
@janet c- u sound so shallow in yo debate..I do not condemn u bt having less of yo type wud b 1 huge leap of progress 2 b achieved by humanity. Do not urgue 2 sustain yo opinion wen it cross paths with divine order. If prostitutes wr truly speakin 4 recognition;YO VOICE WUD HV BN TH LOUDEST..
Makes sense
April 10, 2013 at 10:37 pm
There’s no need to resort to personal insults. She has made her case very well without sinking to your level. Have a reasoned, well-thought out debate with her – you might even learn something.
shimwana
April 10, 2013 at 4:47 pm
may all lesbians and gays rot in hell, ****** fools, who ever is suporting this nosence should know that they exist because man and woman got married and gave birth to them.
kakolwe
April 10, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Just thinking, Suppose I like other men’s wives. I give them sweet coverted & consential sex, and I cant get a ‘hard-on’ with my own woman, would it be OK to fight for ‘promiscuity rights’?
Munyelo Pwete!
April 10, 2013 at 6:18 pm
Some comments are quite terrifying! Let me log off, after all i have a date naka Unza moma! Naya mukusefya pachinyo bane, not ifyabupuba ifi fili pa site! I cant imagine myself ukwingisha bukala bwandi, that i treasure so much mumafi, aweeee!
ONETIME RELOADED
April 10, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Janet c!one question for you,are a lazybian?
Makes sense
April 10, 2013 at 10:43 pm
Lazybian you say? I’m racking my brain trying to remember from Geography class whether there is a country or region called “Lazybia”.
Then it would make sense that if Janet hailed from this region she would correctly be termed a “Lazybian”.
Do you have a link so I can read about Lazybia. For all we know it could be a great place to live.
I await your reply with great anticipation!
DIMMA
April 12, 2013 at 6:33 am
I think the rev is now responding under the name ‘Nosense’
Think Heavy
April 10, 2013 at 8:00 pm
De Rev is not wrng thoz opising hm are, in zed we jdge pipo unfairly: th isue is pastors, minsters n evry1 is bonking otha pipo’s wives and busy fonicting n no is sayin this is bad in a Christian nation. No 1 can say adultarer n fonicators shud aslo b jaled bcoz o thoz mking nois ova guy rght cb be to vctms. If thzo of sam sex doin t in prvate hw daz t afect de neba 2 dsev a jail sentnce it is not fair at o.
Tonga rebel
April 10, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Even a dog has eyez nd senses to distinguish btwin a vagina nd a anus nd it can’t make a mistake to waste its energy penetrating its penis into its fellow anus. Is human being inferior to dogs, why a normal man would think of another man’s ass? what about a vagina especially meant for a penis? Think big u dogs promoting gay in our xtian country. Oh.. No. not ‘Dogs’ bcoz dogs can never do that. To hell…!
SHI MASTER
April 10, 2013 at 10:04 pm
THE PROBLEM IS POVERTY IN SOME SO CALLED MEN OF GOD DUE TO THE RISING TUNTEMBA CHURCHES.AS WE ARE AWARE OF THE FUNDS THAT HAS BEEN ADVERTISED FOR GAY RIGHTS HENCE REVERAND IAM SURE HE APPLIED FOR A CHANK OF IT SO HE CAN BUY A POSH CAR.YOU ARE DIGGING YOUR GRAVE REVERAND.
Makes sense
April 10, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Reverend, your are practicing what you preach. You are a living example of what true Christianity is.
Long may you continue in defense of the oppressed.
Bravo!
DIMMA
April 12, 2013 at 9:07 am
I have to check his pockets first. Otherwise, I’m sensing another Judas Escariot! Betrayer of brothers! From the beginning he has shown nothing but hate. He tagged along for 3 years yet learning nothing! With three pieces of silver, he replaced the Word of God with reasoning…
Emperor
April 10, 2013 at 10:47 pm
cvn2
Rev kapya kaoma
April 11, 2013 at 2:05 am
You can kill all gays or call for our arrest, but God is on our side. We will win this fight.
kakolwe
April 11, 2013 at 6:29 am
Iwe Rev. If you had a gram of Ethicism in you, U could have respected the ETHIC, NORMS,VALUES & MORALS of our society. Ethicism has no relation with bible verses.
kakolwe
April 11, 2013 at 6:35 am
& whats more, Rev, avoid overdepence on ‘auto correct’ U may post views out of context. Plz, Do Not throw Phylosophy at me, I may just humble you.
Rev kapya kaoma
April 11, 2013 at 6:58 pm
Sorry my friend, next time google me up. I am a published Scholar and hold a Doctorate from Boston University and Masters Degree from the University of Bristol. I am sorry that you can’t even spell the word philosophy correctly and I have never heard of the word ethicism. Maybe you should go back to school – or keep your ignorance to yourself.
KEBB
April 11, 2013 at 8:33 am
Does it mean that one can do what he or she likes, weather legal or illegal in the name of human rights?even atheists at least respects the laws of the land,so if the zambian constitution states that anyone who practices gaysm or lesbianism or incest or bestiality is liable to prosecution and imprisonment,then so be it.
Makes sense
April 11, 2013 at 3:52 pm
No human rights are the foundation of the law. And if we find that a law Conflicts with our human rights we have the capability (through parliament) to change it.
dnice
April 11, 2013 at 9:47 am
Its sad how prejudiced pple are about this issues of Gays and lesbians. There is a lot of sense in what this reverend has said and i know every one who has read it will understand and agree with the strong points raised but they chose to ignore the facts because of how prejudiced they are.
The fact will remain, there is a lot of Gay people in zambia and every one knows this and the more its talked about, may the more some prejudiced minds will come to terms with the issue. its better to hate the sin and not the sinner because if you show the sinner that you love them, you will then have the platform to help them change their sinful ways by introducing them to Jesus who is “Able”.
Insulting them doesnt say any more about them than it says loads about you
DIMMA
April 11, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Read again, Dnice. The man from where am standing is feasting money given to him by sponsors. He promoting Gay Rights if you hven’ followed him. He is just eating from his full pot. But this is nothing compaed to what follows. He is a fallen spirit who needs to know what his postion is in soceity.
What is propagating here was foretold a long time ago. Why even mention it in the first place? He is in the better poition to tell us about the end time and the great falling away that will occur in the end time when each person will be running after his/her freshly desires. He knows! Like I said, he is one of the fallen dark angels!
Makes sense
April 11, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Nonsense.
SEKOPONOKE
April 11, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Some facts about Homosexuality:
Homosexuals are at increased risk for a rare type of ANAL CANCER, which is potentially fatal if the anal-rectal tumors metastasize to other bodily organs.The incidence of anal cancer among homosexuals doubles with those with HIV and AIDS..
Homosexual and lesbian relationships are far more violent than are traditional married households.
Homosexuals with same-sex partners are at greater risk for overall mental health problems
Mortality rates of homosexuals have a significant reduced life expectancy
Those who advocate homosexual behaviour choose to downplay the growing and incontrovertible evidence regarding the serious, life-threatening health effects associated with the homosexual lifestyle
Homosexuals have problems. The anus is not meant for that abnormal sexual activity. The type of tissue in the anal area is not designed to withstand that kind of activity. Vaginal tissue is designed for that. Anal sex does have long term effects like rectal prolapse..
Makes sense
April 11, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Please Provide links to your sources.
kakolwe
April 12, 2013 at 4:28 am
Now Rev. You turn to throwing qualifications. Sorry, am ‘ungoogable’ but with an arsenal of wisdom. For you gayism is just another publication. Correction: Ethecists have NOTHING to do with bible verses!
kakolwe
April 12, 2013 at 4:36 am
By the, ba revered REVERAND, which faulty at Boston or Bristol offers even a certificate in WISDOM? I may wish to register so homo activists. I cant keep my ignorance to myself coz then, you cant school me.
kakolwe
April 12, 2013 at 4:53 am
Oweee! Elo lwanyaa. Here is a form 3 certificate holder educating a DOCTOR from Boston UNZA,: ethicism is the application of ethics. The use of ethics to create competitive advantage. An ETHICIST ought to know!
Rev kapya kaoma
April 12, 2013 at 5:39 am
I know where you got this usage. Your application of ethics as creating “competitive advantage” is based on business ethics. The study of ethics, however, is the understanding what ought to be! While the principles of determining what ought to be might be the same, morals differ from place to place. That is why biblical ethics is different from philosophical ethics etc. Please avoid googling words – because you end up exposing your ignorance.
DIMMA
April 12, 2013 at 7:03 am
Read Cain who chose to offer vegitables instead of the revealed power of God. And, @make sense who obviously was too young and has never been raised well, he hs missed the goodnews so he is finding it difficult comprehend it! He has been told fables all his life and both him and the reverand think the answers are in degrees and masters.
Sorry, reverand, even that time there were philosophers who even they searched the scripture did not acknowledge his presence. Infact, they conspire to kill to him. What am I saying… They killed him!
kakolwe
April 12, 2013 at 8:18 am
Like I told U before, Rev Dr. I cant hide my ignorance for I may miss schooling! Mwatoba nafuti! Morals are principles while ethics difter from society to society. Boston indeed!
kakolwe
April 12, 2013 at 8:28 am
Its a moral fact that one ought to be dressed in public. Ethics demand that you wear a suit in yo office & not yo Bamba. So Dr. Reverend, Mwatoba nafuti. Morals are principles of life.
kakolwe
April 12, 2013 at 8:37 am
Come to think of it! How did the learned Dr. Reverand explain business ethics for the word he HAD NEVER heard of? Show me who is googling!
Racastle
April 12, 2013 at 9:05 am
be open minded Zambia is a Christian nation on paper. homosexuality is here to stay just like HIV, prostitution, adultery and hate. if i was born a ***** why should i be jailed for sleeping around am not harming anyone as long as its agreed,consensual……..
DIMMA
April 12, 2013 at 9:40 am
Get behind, Satan! The time is coming for you soon! You have used people all over the world and all we are doing here is standing in the gap for a delayed second coming which to you should be a benefit! God’s wrath is on your head! If you have one, that is!
Do you know what it feels like to be gay? These people go through a lot before they turn gay. That last minute before they are converted is the little time the rev must use to counter it and stand in the gap!
Sorry, I can’t agree with the rev coz I know what sort of battle there is. And like Joshua, we should be holding unto the sun from setting coz by night fall it going to be difficult to fight evil!
The evil one starts working in their lives from the time they are quite young. You think they turn gay when they are old? Think again. Pressure starts before they even turn grade 2. I survived it, so can they. So, I won’t sit here and encourage that; I fought it so can they. From the time you are born he is ever toying with your mind in dreams and evil thoughts til you genes can’t handle it.
Children of God, seek grace and be saved. (NOT YOU SATAN!) To be open minded, you allow reasoning: Jesus said blessed are the ones that believe before they see (paraphrased).
INSHIMBI
April 15, 2013 at 9:31 am
God’s standard will never change because of HUMAN RIGHTS. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Get your reasoning and facts. He says i am the LORD i will never change.
INSHIMBI
April 15, 2013 at 9:33 am
God’s standard will never change because of HUMAN RIGHTS. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Get your reasoning and facts organised. He says i am the LORD i will never change.
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