UNITED IN OPPRESSION OR IN THE WORD OF GOD?

By Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Reporter)

As we celebrate Africa Day which commemorates African Unity today 25 May, perhaps one should also note the common bothersome trend African religious leaders are seemingly adopting.

African leaders have been rather vocal in denouncing homosexuality and religious leaders appear to be jumping the wagon, continuously slamming homosexuality, on the basis of “morality”, pardon my dire dismissal of this, but I hold the notion that, it is one’s prerogative to choose the life they desire.

In actual fact I am not just rambling away, we have a rosy, yet imperative document which perhaps our leaders should constantly refer to, called “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Not being comical or some sort but under this Declaration which all 53 African States are members of, all human rights are enshrined and affirmed, and the thorny question still remains “why are human rights abuses rife.” 

In warped ideals of certain individuals, homosexuality is still perceived as being evil, and we have seen many religious leaders advocating for this.

A rather successful gimmick our religious leaders have been embroiled in I suppose, “To curb homosexuality”, sadly the successful end result will be attained … in the next life time I presume.

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, said in 2004 referring to homosexuality, “Such tendencies are clearly unbiblical, unnatural and definitely un-African” and ever since then Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Reverend Peter Akinola has been advocating for denunciation of homosexuals in that country.

Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni last year coined homosexuality as a “negative foreign culture”, Archbishop of Uganda Henry Luke Orombi, once said referring to the Anglican Church division, “The rift in the Church can only be bridged if the liberal bishops, espousing sexual perversion repent and return to Christ teachings.”

Both countries have been in the forefront regarding homosexuality, and their laws shrewd as the tones of their leaders.

Homosexuality in Nigeria is both illegal, under the Penal Code and Shari’a Law. Consensual same sex relations are punishable with a maximum sentence of up to 14 years, according to Articles 214 and 217. Shari’a Law carries a minimum sentence of lashed and death as a maximum sentence.  

Under the Ugandan Penal Code, section 140 criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” with a maximum penalty being death. 

In the South African context we have seen the Anglican Communion has been caught up in schism regarding homosexuality, perhaps we all can learn from the wise words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “homophobia is a crime against humanity and every bit unjust as Apartheid.”  

The constant ammunition used in casting homosexuality by religious leaders is Leviticus 20:13, “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood guilt is upon them.”

Perhaps the energy wasted in casting homosexuality should be used in addressing key issues facing the African continent. Not so long ago, there were xenophobic attacks although that has passed there is distrust and no unity between African people.

As we celebrate Africa day, take a minute and do some introspection and ask yourself “what have you done to promote unity”.