Anti-gay protests have erupted in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, as religious groups and demonstrators voiced their opposition to a bill seeking to legalize same-sex relations.
The bill aims to comply with a 2019 court ruling in favor of LGBTQ rights, which declared the jail sentences for same-sex relationships unconstitutional.
The government’s attempt to revoke the ruling was unsuccessful after an appeal in 2021. Now, religious protesters are fervently rallying against the bill, with one demonstrator stating, “We are saying no to this abomination, no. It’s a sin. Botswana is a Christian country.”
Protesters believe that legalizing same-sex relationships would undermine the sanctity of family and moral standards, as family unity is deeply cherished in the country.
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Pulafela Siele, who chairs the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), stressed that the bill should be stopped to prevent the legalization of homosexuality, despite stating that their opposition is not rooted in hatred for LGBTQ individuals.
Member of Parliament, Wynter Mmolotsi, acknowledged the strong Christian opposition to the bill, asserting that Christians believe it goes against their religious principles.
The religious groups are exerting significant influence on the debate surrounding the legislation.
The protests in Botswana are part of a broader pushback against LGBTQ rights in southern Africa, as seen recently in Malawi, where thousands of people demonstrated against the country’s ban on same-sex relationships in the lead-up to a constitutional court case challenging the law.
As the region grapples with these contentious issues, the battle for LGBTQ rights continues amidst passionate opposition from conservative elements of society.
