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Zambia's Anti-Gay Obsession Is Worsening Its HIV Epidemic

Our latest for "The Atlantic": "Zambia's Anti-Gay Obsession Is Worsening Its HIV Epidemic."  This after the case of the openly gay human rights and HIV/AIDS activist who was arrested for appearing on live television and calling for the decriminalization of same-sex relations.

Paul Kasonkomona was held for four days, pleaded not guilty, and was released on bail on Thursday, April 11. The case comes at the same there has been " a frightening increase in violations of LGBT people's rights " in Zambia, according to one human rights group. The openly gay and HIV positive activist says police denied him access to "his tuberculosis and antiretroviral drugs [and] put his life at risk." Kasonkomona's plight illustrates the deeply religious and conservative nation's obsessive anti-gay animus -- which is complicating its fight against  one of the world's most devastating HIV and AIDS epidemics. "

More than one in every seven adults in the country is living with HIV and life expectancy at birth has fallen to just 49 years. To complicate matters: Some researchers believe Zambia -- and other African nations -- is home to an escalating and often untreated HIV epidemic among gay and bisexual men. Infection rates are often two to three times the general population, "and in Zambia, a 2006 study revealed a self-reported HIV prevalence of 33 percent" among gay and bi men, reports PEPFAR.

Read the article HERE.

Look for more from me on politics, human rights and global affairs at The Atlantic and TheAtlantic.com in the months ahead.

ZAMBIA: Gay Activist Released from Jail, Denied Access to HIV Meds

A leading gay human rights and HIV/AIDS activist has been released on bail in Zambia ... after he was arrested for appearing on live television and calling for the decriminalization of same-sex relations, reports BBC.

Paul Kasonkomona pleaded not guilty at the magistrate's court in the capital, Lusaka, to the charges - being idle and disorderly in a public place. He was detained as he stepped out of the studios of the privately owned Muvi TV in the capital on Sunday evening. Sources at the television station told the AFP news agency that police tried to stop the interview and take Mr Kasonkomona off air but the management refused.

The [charge] said Mr Kasonkomona was in "a public place advocating homosexual rights to be respected in Zambia." ... The rights activist was ordered to pay 5,000 kwacha ($930, £605) and the trial is due to start on 15 May 2013.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia. The penalties carry a minimum sentence of 15 years up to a maximum of life in prison. The Zambian government does not permit advocacy of LGBT rights.

In a separate case, Kasonkomona's attorneys are suing for "unlawful detention" because he was held in police cells for more than 48 hours before being charged, reports Muvi TV. Kasonkomona is HIV positive and says police denied him access to "his tuberculosis and anti-retro viral drugs. He says [that] put his life at risk."

Kasonkomona's arrest and harassment comes at the same there has been "a frightening increase in violations of LGBT people’s rights" in Zambia, according to a new report by the human rights organization Friends of RAINKA says.

Police are intimidating, harassing and persecuting LGBT people in Zambia to an unprecedented degree, fueled by a call from traditional leaders to "cage gays" and an appeal from police to the public to "report homos."  This occurs both at the hands of the police and by the general public, who are taking matters in their own hands. ... Victims of these violations are unable to report incidents to the police because of the warranted fear of unlawful detention and torture, as is evidenced in the Kasonkomona case.

Zambia is one of at least 38 of 54 African countries that prohibit same-sex relations. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

Zambia is rich in copper mineral wealth—but it is one of the world's poorest nations, boasts a 16 percent HIV rate and the average life expectancy is only 40 years old. Priorities, priorities.

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Zambia Police Arrest Gay HIV Activist After TV Appearance

Police in the Southern African nation of Zambia have reportedly "refused to release" a gay, human rights activist from jail .... arrested only moments after he called for the decriminalization of same-sex relations on live television.

Paul Kasonkomona is the National Coordinator of Engender Zambia which organizes around HIV/AIDS, human rights and sexual minorities. He has been charged with "promoting immoral acts" after he called on authorities to decriminalize same-sex relations during a Sunday night appearance on Muvi TV. Police officers "stormed the television station" and "tried to stop the [live] interview" but station managers refused, reports Muvi TV, BBC and The Guardian.

Kasonkomona was being driven from the Muvi TV studio in the capital, Lusaka, when his car was stopped by police. He was detained at a local station. Officers reportedly tried to stop Kasonkomona's interview as it was in progress but managers at the TV station refused to take him off air.

Supporters have guaranteed bond but police have "refused to release" the activist, reports Identity Kenya.

"We met all the legal requirements, and now they are saying it’s a political case. It is unlawful for the police to detain Paul for more than 48 hours without taking him before a magistrate," said Chivuli Riva Ukwimi [with] the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa, which supports human rights and populations most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in the region.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia. The penalties carry a minimum sentence of 15 years up to a maximum of life in prison. The Zambian government does not permit advocacy of LGBT rights, reports the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (PDF). Former Presidents Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Festus Mogae of Botswana have recently called for the decriminalization of sodomy statutes across Africa.

Kasonkomona's arrest comes after four gay couples reportedly "attempted to register same-sex marriages in Lusaka over Easter," reports the Zambia Daily Mail. 

"Traditional leaders have urged government to take a bold decision to arrest gay couples in the country. Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni said: 'It is not a culture of Zambians, Africans and Ngonis to practise homosexuality and gay people should be caged.'"

Zambia is one of at least 38 of 54 African countries that prohibit same-sex relations. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

Zambia is rich in copper mineral wealth—but it is one of the world's poorest nations, boasts a 16 percent HIV rate and the average life expectancy is only 40 years old. Priorities, priorities.

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Zambia Criticizes UK Threat to Withdraw Aid from Anti-Gay Nations

Zambia becomes the latest nation to slam British Prime Minister David Cameron's suggestion that aid should be decreased to countries that failed to respect gay rights. Cameron made the announcement at the recent 54-nation Commonwealth meeting in Australia.

The Lusaka Times and Zambian Watchdog report that British authorities have backpedaled after protests by leaders of  the southern African nation.

British High Commissioner to Zambia Tom Carter clarified that the statement issued by the prime-minister does not apply to Zambia for now. He told radio Phoenix Thursday morning that the UK sees it as its responsibility to protect people of all sexual orientations but that the statement made in Australia was not directed at Zambia.

"He was not talking about Zambia in that case. I cannot talk about other countries. I am here in Zambia and we are very, very happy the way things are going here," said Carter.

Zambia’s chief government spokesperson Given Lubinda said the nation would only enact laws supported by its citizens and in line with their culture. ... He said Zambia was a sovereign state and would make independent decisions on which laws to enact. "Zambia will not be pressured to formulate laws or policies by any foreign government," Mr Lubinda told Lusaka-based Hot FM Radio.

Clergy and politicians in the southern African nation were "outraged" in May 2010 after international donors made a similar suggestion and asked them to relax its harsh anti-gay laws.

AIn March 2011, clergy and politicians in Zambia threatened to campaign against Michael Sata—formerly leader of the opposition Patriotic Front—after he indicated a softened position on gay rights. Sata later won the presidency in peaceful elections in September.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia. The Zambian government does not permit advocacy of LGBT rights, reports the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (PDF). Former Presidents Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Festus Mogae of Botswana recently called for the decriminalization of sodomy statutes across Africa.

Zambia is rich in copper mineral wealth, but is one of the world's poorest nations, boasts a 16 percent HIV rate and the average life expectancy is only 4o years old. Priorities, priorities.

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Former Leaders of Botswana and Zambia: Decriminalize Same-Sex Relations Across Africa

Some promising news coming out of Africa, where the retired presidents of Botswana and Zambia are calling for the decriminalization of sodomy statute. The harsh penalties encourage anti-gay sentiment and dissuade gay men who are HIV positive against seeking treatment, said former Presidents Festus Mogae of Botswana and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.

The two said [in Lilongwe] while on a tour of Malawi that such an approach would likely yield better results in Africa. The remarks by the retired leaders could reignite homosexuality debate in the southern Africa country and may eventually reduce the stigma currently associated with the sex orientation. .. In Malawi, HIV prevalence stands at around 12 per cent, with most efforts to assist those infected being directed towards heterosexuals.

And:

Mogae, who chairs ‘Champions of an HIV-Free Generation’ that comprise prominent African anti-Aids activists, said homosexuals and sex workers were part of society and they should not be stigmatised or discriminated. "People who practice homosexuality should not be criminalized or stigmatize to avoid the spread of new infections," said Mogae.

The former Botswana president appealed to African governments to provide condoms in prison as he said it is where there is a lot of breed of HIV infection through homosexual acts."Why is it that men who go to prison without HIV infection when they come out they are tested positive," he said.

Mogae argued for gay rights in the recent BBC debate, "Is Homosexuality Un-African?" Mogae said he was constrained about decriminalizing homosexuality while in political office.

Sodomy and/or same-sex relations are illegal in at least 37 countries in Africa. Malawi boasts one of the harshest anti-gay laws on the continent. Homosexual acts are punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment or a death sentence. Activists in Botswana's small LGBT community have sued the government over its anti-sodomy laws.

The Malawian couple Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were the focus of international attention last summer after they were sentenced to 14 years' hard labor for holding an engagement ceremony. Only one week after their pardon by President Bingu wa Mutharika, Monjeza publicly renounced Chimbalanga and announced his engagement to a woman named Dorothy Gulo.

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ZAMBIA: Outrage After Opposition Leader Signals Pro-Gay Stance

 

Yet another round of anti-gay hysteria in Zambia. Clergy and politicians in the Southern African nation are threatening to campaign against the opposition Patriotic Front after its leader apparently indicated a softened position on gay rights. PF President Michael Sata reportedly told visiting Danish journalists that Zambia could recognize gay and lesbian rights under its existing constititution.

Evangelical leaders are warning citizens of the "dangers" in supporting pro-gay politicians, reports the Lusaka Times.

Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) overseer Bishop Peter Ndhlovu said in an interview that the church has embarked on programmes aimed at sensitising and educating people on the dangers of voting for leaders advocating for gay rights. Bishop Ndhlovu said Zambia needs leaders who are biblical and have values. He said it is inhuman and an abomination for the country to have advocates of gay rights. "The church is coming together to hold powerful prayers and public meetings to educate people on the dangers of voting for leaders advocating gay rights. It is cross-denominational," he said.

Bishop Ndhlovu said his church will go flat-out to campaign against the PF and any other political party promoting gay rights. He said Mr Sata has run out of ideas and if he and the Danish journalists want to promote gay rights, it will not work in Zambia.

Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director Pukuta Mwanza said in a separate interview, "We will continue campaigning against leaders advocating gay rights because we do not want our country to have such bad laws that promote inhuman ways of life."  

You may recall in March 2009, Zambian Vice President George Kaduna told members of parliament and journalists to "report any homosexuals" to the police. In December 2010, the MMD and UPND parties rejected calls to decriminalize gay sex and called the suggestion an "abomination." Sata's PF took no position.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia. The Zambian government does not permit advocacy of LGBT rights, reports the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (PDF). The Southern African nation boasts a 16 percent HIV rate and is one of the world's poorest. Priorities, priorities.

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Zambian Bishop and Political Parties Reject Gay Rights as "Outrageous"

Yet another round of anti-gay hysteria in Zambia. Clergy and politicians in the Southern African nation—which boasts a 16 percent HIV rate and is one of the world's poorest nations—are "outraged" after international donors suggested the mineral-rich Southern African nation should relax its harsh anti-gay laws.

Two Pentecostal bishops said gays were "unacceptable" in Zambian society, reports Behind the Mask.

"Assemblies of God Bishop Joshua Banda has advised the donor community to channel their funds to development programmes rather than supporting practises such as homosexuality that are alien to the Zambian society. And Bishop Joe Imakando of Bread of Life Church International said homosexuals and lesbians had no room in society because Zambia had been declared a Christian nation. In an interview in Lusaka yesterday Bishop Banda said it was unacceptable for some donor agencies to be considering funding such acts, which were of little benefit to the majority of Zambians. He condemned the decision by some donor countries such as the Swedish government coming out in the open and supporting such acts, which were against the traditional values of the country."

You may recall in March 2009, Vice President George Kaduna told members of parliament and journalists to "report any homosexuals" to the police. 

Meanwhile: Zambia's three dominant political parties reject calls to decriminalize gay sex and call the suggestion an "abomination", reports Lusaka Times.

"The MMD and United Party for National Development (UPND) said separately in Lusaka ythat Zambia was declared a Christian nation and the issue of homosexuality had no room in this society. But the Patriotic Front (PF) said it had not dealt with the matter because it was concentrating on more important issues. MMD acting spokesperson Mike Mulongoti said the ruling party could not embrace or support the gay rights because the party was founded on Christian norms. 'Zambia is declared a Christian nation and anything that is unChristian and alien to our society is deemed to be an abomination,' Mr Mulongoti said. ... PF spokesperson Given Lubinda said his party would not preoccupy itself with less pressing issues because it was currently more concerned with the welfare of the people."

And they're doing a heckuva job, too. In recent weeks the Zambian government is reeling after human rights agencies described its prisons as "death traps" of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, where inmates were "packed like pigs" and "commonly stripped naked and held ...in ankle-to-calf-high water contaminated with their own excrement."

Priorities, priorities.

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A fresh round of anti-gay hysteria begins in Southern Africa. During the question and answer session in the Zambian parliament, Vice President George Kunda charged the government was aware of men who married to hide their homosexuality and they should be "reported" to the police.

The vice president told MPs: "Some could be lawyers, engineers, journalists and if you have information of others ... please report them to the law enforcement agencies."

"Zambia is a Christian nation and it shall continue to be so because it is part of our constitution. And acts such as homosexuality are not part of the Christian norm," Kunda said, adding that "homosexuality is a bad thing and we should all come together and fight homosexuality."

Kunda reminded parliament in 2005 the house "passed stiff laws against homosexuality" and the minimum sentence for a person found guilty is 15 years. Behind the Mask, the African LGBT news outlet, reports "shouts of shame and laughter" during Kunda's statement.

According to the Central Intelligence Agency: Zambia is one of the world's poorest nations. Life expectancy is an average of 40 years and the HIV/AIDS rate is 16 percent. The real "shame" is that Kunda and parliament know these grim statistics damn well and hope to distract the rural, impoverished nation with this meaningless anti-gay witch hunt.