The Sistah Sistah Foundation, a group based in Lusaka, is accused of breaking the law by allegedly demonstrating in favor of sodomy. Govt has condemned their actions.
Chushi Kasanda, the minister of information and media, criticized the behavior as irresponsible and has subsequently issued a warning to the public to stop engaging in such behavior.
When the Sistah Sistah Foundation asked for a permit to march against gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual abuse of women and girls on Sunday, it is alleged that they misled the authorities.
Nonetheless, the group was observed demonstrating for LGBTQ rights, sometimes known as sodomy rights, on the margins of the permit.
Since then, police have launched an investigation into the situation.
Since Zambia is a Christian nation, Ms. Kasanda, who serves as the government’s chief spokesman, advised residents to refrain from doing so in a statement.
“Government finds as irresponsible the behaviour by a group of people that at the weekend marched at Lusaka’s showgrounds, chanting and carrying placards in support of sodomy.
As Government, we do not condone this behaviour and anyone who decides to go against the law will not go unpunished. I further wish to stress that sodomy is prohibited in Zambia as provided in Sections 155 and 157 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia,” she said.
She said Government is concerned that the group decided to use the permit that was given in good faith by Police to raise awareness against GBV, but used it to champion an illegal and criminal cause.
“Further, Government wishes to remind the public that as a Christian Nation, they have a duty to uphold the Christian values of morality. decency and human dignity in the manner they conduct themselves. As such, citizens are advised to desist, at all times, any conduct or behavior, that is inimical to our Christian values,” she said.