Twelve senior pastors from the United Methodist Church (UMC) have resigned in protest over the church’s recent decision to reverse its long-standing condemnation of homosexuality.
Reverend Forbes Matonga, one of the lead figures among the resigning pastors, confirmed the resignations during a press conference held in Harare on Friday morning, 28 March.
In his address, Rev. Matonga said that the church’s recent shift no longer aligns with core Christian teachings. He said:
<blockquote>
Now your beloved church fully embraces this sin and even celebrates it as God’s gift.
</blockquote>
The resignations come after last year’s General Conference of the United Methodist Church in the United States, where church leadership voted 523-161 to revise its Social Principles.
The decision removed language that labeled homosexuality as “incompatible with Christian teaching” and allowed for the ordination and appointment of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.” The Zimbabwean delegation opposed the vote.
Pastor Maria Masamba warned that this policy shift will have significant implications for marriage and the social fabric. She said:
<blockquote>
I’m not talking about being modern or progressive, I’m talking about the very fabric of our society.
If we start to normalise homosexual relationships within the church, what does that mean for the future of our families, our communities, and the world?
It is a sobering thought, but one we need to consider. The reality is if we don’t have traditional families with a mother and father, we’re not going to have children who can grow up to be doctors and lawyers, etcetera.
It’s not about being old-fashioned or close-minded; it’s about preserving the human race.
I truly believe that allowing homosexuality in the church is not a step forward, but a step backwards – one that could have devastating consequences for generations to come.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Constitution explicitly bans same-sex marriage under Section 78(3), which states that “persons of the same sex are prohibited from marrying each other.”
More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/breaking-12-umc-pastors-resign-over-homosexuality">The Sunday Mail</a>

Pindula News

Twelve pastors from the United Methodist Church quit because the church changed its mind about homosexuality. They think it goes against Christian beliefs. Last year, the church leaders voted to accept homosexuality. Some pastors worry this will harm families and society. In Zimbabwe, same-sex marriage is not allowed by law. The pastors think that allowing homosexuality in the church is bad for the future. They believe traditional families are important for the next generations.

12 United Methodist Church Pastors Resign Over Policy Change On Homosexuality

A top United States of America House Republican, Brian Mast, is concerned about the Biden administration’s spending on international programmes that he believes are irrelevant to national security, including LGBT initiatives in Zimbabwe.
LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It’s an acronym used to describe a community of people who identify as having diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
As reported by the <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/house-republican-questions-biden-admins-attempt-to-fund-lgbt-awareness-in-zimbabwe/">National Review</a>, Mast, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID administrator Samantha Power criticizing these spending proposals.
The Biden administration’s proposals include efforts to fight climate change in the Middle East and promote LGBT awareness in Zimbabwe. Wrote Mast:
<blockquote>
In recent weeks, my office has been made aware of hundreds of millions of dollars of proposed obligations for initiatives that offer no clear national security benefit to the U.S. or its allies.
The American people sent a clear message in November that they will no longer tolerate uncontrolled spending on programs that are incompatible with the United States’ interests abroad.
As their representative, I cannot, in good faith, allow you to spend millions of dollars to combat climate change in the war-torn Middle East or fund LGBTQI awareness in Zimbabwe – both of which are among your recent proposals.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, homosexuality is illegal, same-sex marriage is constitutionally prohibited, and the government has a long-standing history of opposing LGBT rights.
Nevertheless, advocacy groups such as the Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) are promoting LGBT rights and raising awareness about these issues within the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Biden administration is spending money on LGBT initiatives in Zimbabwe. A House Republican, Brian Mast, thinks this money should be spent elsewhere for national security reasons. LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. In Zimbabwe, being gay is illegal and the government does not support LGBT rights. Despite this, advocacy groups are working to promote LGBT rights in the country. Mast is worried about the millions being spent on projects that don't benefit the US or its allies. He believes the money should be used more wisely.

Biden Administration Allocates Millions For Promoting Homosexuality In Zimbabwe

A 32-year-old man from Harare was stoned to death on Monday, January 6, after allegedly mocking a suspect by calling him gay for wearing earrings.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the murder on their official X account on Tuesday. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
On 06/01/25, Police in Harare arrested Benedict Rueben in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Boka Bus terminus along Harare –Masvingo Road.
The suspect hit the victim, Maxwell Mahanzu (32) with a stone after the victim mocked him, claiming that he was gay since he was wearing earrings. The victim died on the spot.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, being referred to as gay is considered an insult, despite homosexuality and lesbianism being normalised in many Western countries.
Former President Robert Mugabe frequently spoke out against homosexuality, characterising gay people as “worse than dogs and pigs.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 32-year-old man from Harare was killed by being stoned because he called someone gay for wearing earrings. This happened on January 6. In Zimbabwe, calling someone gay is seen as an insult, even though it is okay in other countries. The police arrested a suspect named Benedict Rueben for the murder. The victim, Maxwell Mahanzu, died on the spot. The former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, did not like gay people and said bad things about them. Homosexuality is not accepted in Zimbabwe.

Harare Man (32) Stoned To Death Over Gay Taunt

ZANU PF wrapped up its 21st National People’s Conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo on Saturday.
The conference resulted in the endorsement of over 162 resolutions. Here are the key resolutions regarding youth affairs and sport:
<ul>
<li>make use of ZIMDEF funds to establish new and upgrade existing Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and Recreational facilities to curb idleness that leads to drug and substance abuse;</li>
<li>expedite the review of laws and policies to curb drug and substance abuse among the youths;</li>
<li>continue accelerating empowerment programmes including mining concessions, land, skills training, access to affordable capital and education;</li>
<li>promote the establishment of Youth Desks in every Ministry, Department and Agency;</li>
<li>provide affordable and accessible education from Early Childhood Development to Higher and Tertiary and support youths with exceptional talent;</li>
<li>ensure that attendance at the Chitepo School of Ideology is compulsory for every member of the ZANU PF Youth League;</li>
<li>consider the appointment of qualified Youths in Boards of State Owned Enterprises;</li>
<li>implement the 20% youth quota across all sectors;</li>
<li>tighten and enforce the laws against homosexuality and other social ills.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF had a big meeting in Bulawayo where they decided to make some new rules. They want to use money to make schools and playgrounds, stop drugs, help young people get jobs and education, and have youth desks in every government office. They also want to teach their ideas to young people and put them on important boards. They said they will make sure that fewer people are gay. They made over 162 decisions in total.

ZANU PF Conference Vows To Tighten And Enforce Laws Against Homosexuality

Two men accused of being involved in a same-sex relationship have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on sodomy charges.
Tavimbanashe Chawatama (28) and Leonard Nyakudya (25) lived together and allegedly engaged in consensual same-sex relations, reportedly recording their encounters using their mobile phones.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the case, saying the relationship came to light when one accused the other of stealing his money, prompting them to involve the police in the dispute. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
It is the State’s case that the two men got into a relationship some time in August 2023. They lived together and allegedly had consensual same-sex relations. The State also alleges that they would at times record themselves in the act using their mobile phones.
The matter came to light on the 27th of August 2024 when an altercation arose between the two wherein the first accused person accused the second accused of infidelity. The argument escalated and the second accused decided to move out of the house.
When the second accused person was about to move out, the first accused noticed that his money was missing. The two accused persons decided to involve the Police to resolve the issue of the missing money. 
The accused persons inadvertently furnished the Police with details of the crime of sodomy as they narrated the issue of the missing money and their living arrangements resulting in their subsequent arrest.
</blockquote>
Chawatama and Nyakudya were granted US$50 bail each and the matter was remanded to 06 September 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two men are accused of being in a same-sex relationship and facing sodomy charges in court. They lived together and recorded their activities on their phones. The case came to light when one accused the other of stealing money, leading to involvement of the police. Both accused men were granted bail and the case was scheduled for September. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the case and stated that the men had engaged in consensual same-sex relations. The accused men inadvertently revealed their crime while trying to resolve the money dispute with the police.

Dispute Over Money Exposes Alleged Same-Sex Relationship

BustopTV, led by creative director Derrick Nziyakwi, has taken a bold step to address LGBTQI rights in Zimbabwe through their documentary “Transcend the Ballot.” This documentary is premised on raising awareness and advocating for the marginalised transgender community in the country.
Nziyakwi explained that BustopTV felt compelled to tackle this sensitive issue due to the realities of everyday life and the global significance of LGBTQI rights. Despite societal hesitancy in engaging with the topic, the creative team recognised the urgent need to amplify the voices and shed light on the struggles faced by transgender individuals, who are often overlooked or misunderstood. Journalist Shingirai Manyegavana quotes Nziyakwi as saying:
<blockquote>
The transgender community exists, and their concerns are undeniably real. As a society, we can no longer avoid discussing these issues.
</blockquote>
Nziyakwi added that the goal of “Transcend the Ballot” is to serve as a mirror of society, examining the unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations of transgender individuals in Zimbabwe. The documentary aims to challenge societal norms, foster understanding, and promote an environment of acceptance.
However, the production of the documentary faced challenges, particularly in securing funding and engaging stakeholders in discussions about LGBTQI rights. Despite these hurdles, BustopTV remains committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
BustopTV organised community screenings of the documentary in Domboshava and Epworth, facilitating meaningful dialogues within local communities. Funding for these screenings was provided by Hivos. Moreblessing Wadzanai Femberwi, who collaborates with the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research Zimbabwe (CeSHHAR), emphasised the importance of democratic rights for transgender individuals. Femberwi stressed the need for awareness campaigns and educational materials to foster understanding.
While the government has yet to approve these initiatives, CeSHHAR operates clinics that provide vital support and healthcare services to transgender individuals. Muchaneta Savanhu, a community member from Epworth, highlighted the significance of treating transgender individuals with dignity and respect. Savanhu emphasized the need for fair treatment during elections, including equal access to appropriate restroom facilities, to uphold their democratic rights. Education and awareness regarding the existence and experiences of transgender individuals were also deemed essential.
<h3>State Of LGBTI in Zimbabwe</h3>
Zimbabwe, like many other African countries, criminalises and does not tolerate homosexual activities. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga recently <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/02/15/vp-chiwenga-denounces-lgbt-scholarship-offer-for-zimbabwean-students/">denounced a scholarship offer by LGBT organisations</a>, stating that it was meant to lure young Zimbabwean students into LGBT activities. Chiwenga referred to LGBT activities as unlawful, challenging Zimbabwe’s sovereignty. He emphasised that Zimbabwe, as a Christian nation, does not entertain “such alien, anti-life, un-African, and unchristian values.”
He said the government of Zimbabwe firmly rejects and denounces scholarship offers related to LGBT activities, considering them unlawful, unchristian, and anti-Zimbabwean. The former military boss said the government sees such offers as a direct challenge to its authority and vows to enforce national laws and protect national values. Chiwenga emphasised that Zimbabwe is a sovereign, African state with its own laws and values that set it apart from other societies.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Transcend The Ballot: BustopTV Spotlights Zimbabwe's LGBTQI Rights Struggles

The National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) has reaffirmed its stance on sexuality, that marriage is between a man and a woman.
This comes after Pope Francis, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, recently allowed priests to bless same-sex couples.
According to a document issued by the Vatican recently, Pope Francis said priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, under certain circumstances.
However, in a statement issued on 21 December, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Cameroon) denounced the new position announced by Pope Francis, saying homosexuality is an abomination. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
DECLARATION OF THE BISHOPS OF CAMEROON ON HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BLESSING OF “HOMOSEXUAL COUPLES”
Faced with the semantic abuses designed to distort the value of realities and the true meaning of the notions of family, couple, spouse, sexuality and marriage;
Faced with the wave of indignation, questioning and concern that the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” on the question of the blessing of same-sex couples has aroused among the people of God;
For the sake of human dignity and the salvation of all humanity in Jesus Christ; We, the Bishops of Cameroon, unanimously declare the following on the subject of homosexuality and the blessing of “homosexual couples”:
1. In conformity with our 2013 Declaration on Homosexuality, we strongly reaffirm the truth of the Church, Mother and Educator, which teaches the sacredness of the sexual identity of man and woman created in the image of God (Gn 1:26), of the dignity of their sexuality and of marriage which is the foundation of the family. The human person is created male and female: “Male and female he created them” (Gn 1:26). This invariable difference, which is the foundation of their relationship and their complementarity, is fulfilled in the bonds of marriage.
2. Homosexuality falsifies and corrupts human anthropology and trivialises sexuality, marriage and the family, the foundations of society. In the African culture, this practice is not part of family and social values. It is a flagrant violation of the heritage bequeathed to us by our ancestors. In the history of people, the practice of homosexuality has never led to societal evolution but is a clear sign of the imploding decadence of civilizations. Homosexuality sets humanity against itself and destroys it.
3. The profound identity of sexuality is misunderstood, hijacked and perverted outside the conjugal relationship between man and woman. Consequently, homosexual acts are not “sexual”, but “acts against nature” (Rm 1, 26).
4. Marriage is an institution that legitimizes sexual relations and procreation for the foundation of a new family. It is the union of a man and a woman who commit themselves to the life of a couple, to find a family and to live together in love. Homosexual unions are not marriages. They distort the meaning of marriage by reducing it to a sterile, pleasure-seeking and perverse bond: “infamy between man and man” (Rom 1:26).
5. Homosexuality is not a human right. It is an alienation that seriously harms humanity because it is not based on any value proper to the human being: it is a dehumanization of love, “an abomination”. (Lev, 18, 22). Rejecting it is in no way being discriminative; it is a legitimate protection of the constant values of humanity in the face of a vice that has become the subject of a claim to legal recognition and, today, the subject of a blessing.
6. Literally, “To bless is to speak well of”. And to “speak well of” to gain grace through the gesture of blessing a “homosexual couple” would be tantamount to encouraging a choice and a practice of life that cannot be recognised as being objectively ordered to the revealed designs of God. What is more, differentiating between liturgical and non-liturgical contexts to apply the blessing to same-sex “couples” is hypocritical. The act of blessing, whether performed in a liturgical assembly or in private, remains a blessing. We therefore declare non-compliant any form of blessing, public or private, that tends to recognize “same-sex couples” as a state of life.
7. Faithful to the constant teaching of Ecclesial Tradition which declares acts of homosexuality intrinsically disordered and contrary to the natural law (Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 2357), we, the Bishops of Cameroon, reiterate our disapproval of homosexuality and homosexual unions.
8. Consequently, we formally forbid all blessings of “homosexual couples” in the Church of Cameroon.
9. Since God does not want the death of the sinner, but his/her conversion to eternal life, we recommend those who are inclined to homosexuality to the prayers and compassion of the Church, with a view to their radical conversion. We also invite them to turn away from their mentality of victimization in which they take pleasure in considering themselves as “victims”, “weak”, and “minorities”; to seize the opportunity for conversion that God gives them in the many exhortations of His Word.
</blockquote>
The statement was signed by Andrew Fuanya Nkea, who is the Archbishop of Bamenda and President of NECC.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Catholic Bishops In Cameroon Reject Pope Francis' New Stance On Homosexuality

Hundreds of Muslims gathered outside the Supreme Court in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi to protest its recent decision to uphold the right of association for the LGBTQ community. The protesters claimed that the verdict endorsed immorality and called for the resignation of certain justices. Some conservative Christians also joined the demonstration.
The court’s ruling affirmed a previous judgment that the Non-Governmental Organization Board had discriminated against LGBTQ individuals by refusing to register their association. Two judges dissented, arguing that same-sex relationships are illegal according to Kenyan laws.
Lawmaker Mohamed Ali emphasized that Kenya is a religious country and urged the court to respect the beliefs of Islam and Christianity, both of which oppose homosexuality. Ali said:
<blockquote>
Islam and Christianity are against gayism. Our country’s constitution doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages. Three people in a court should not go against the societal values.
</blockquote>
While President William Ruto stated his respect for the court’s decision, he highlighted that Kenyan culture and religion do not accept same-sex relationships. The LGBTQ community in Kenya frequently faces discrimination and abuse. Uganda, Kenya’s neighbour, has enacted a severe anti-LGBTQ law, including the death penalty for certain cases. Similarly, a Kenyan lawmaker has put forth a similar harsh law, currently under review, in the national assembly.
Same-sex relationships are not allowed in many African countries due to laws and cultural beliefs. Homosexuality is often criminalized, causing people to hide their true identities and face social rejection. Some countries have legal protections, but overall, there is a lack of acceptance and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa. Activists and organisations are working to change discriminatory laws and promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Muslims, Christians Protest Supreme Court's LGBTQ+ Association Rights Ruling In Nairobi, Kenya

A Church of England statement today has said it will uphold its position that marriage is only between a man and a woman and would not let same-sex couples wed in its churches.
The development follows the Church of England’s six-year consultation on sexuality and marriage, among other topics. The proposals were developed by bishops, who make up one of three parts of the church’s governing body known as the General Synod. They will be presented to the General Synod at a meeting next month.
The Church of England is the mother church of the international Anglican churches which includes more than 85 million people in more than 165 nations. These include the Anglican in Zimbabwe and its followers.
The statement confirmed a BBC story from the previous night that bishops had declined to endorse a change in teaching to permit priests to marry homosexual couples. “Same-sex couples would still not be permitted to get married in a Church of England church,” the statement added.
According to announced proposals, same-sex couples who get legally married can attend a religious service where there will be “prayers of dedication, appreciation, or for God’s blessing on the pair.” In 2013, Britain legalized gay marriage.
Said Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
<blockquote>
“I am under no illusions that what we are proposing today will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others, but it is my hope that what we have agreed will be received in a spirit of generosity, seeking the common good” 
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, according to the statement, the Church of England bishops will be issuing an apology later this week to gay people for the “rejection, exclusion, and hostility” they have faced in churches.

The Anglican Church Of England Refuses To Allow Gay Marriages

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and a police officer only identified as Mabika have been ordered by the court to pay ZWL$800 000 to a Mbare resident who was arrested by the police in 2021.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Tinashe Maumbe (24), a resident of Mbare, was arrested together with his friends Reward Majoni and Tinashe Majoni by ZRP officers on 16 January 2021.
The trio was walking past Matapi Police Station in Harare’s Mbare high-density suburb when the law enforcement agents manning the entrance to the police station enquired where the trio was going.
The ZRP officers allegedly accused Maumbe and his friends of being homosexuals and told them that homosexuality is not permitted in Zimbabwe.
The trio was subsequently detained by the police and no charges were preferred against them. In fact, they were jeered by cops and were only released after ZLHR lawyers intervened.
With the help of Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of ZLHR, Maumbe sued Matanga, Kazembe and Mabika by filing a summons in April 2021 at Harare Civil Magistrates Courts.
Maumbe demanded payment amounting to ZWL$900 000 as damages for unlawful arrest, detention, humiliation and embarrassment. Said ZLHR:
<blockquote>
On 4 November 2022 and after presiding over the trial of Hon. Kazembe, Matanga and Mabika, Harare Magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini granted judgment in favour of Maumbe and ordered Matanga, Kazembe and Mabika to pay him ZWL800 000 as compensation for violation of his rights after ruling that ZRP officers had “hysterically” arrested the 24-year-old Mbare resident based on their personal opinion of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, queer and questioning people.
Out of the ZWL800 000, ZWL$400 000 is for damages for unlawful arrest and detention while ZWL$400 000 is compensation for inhuman and degrading treatment.
Magistrate Dhlamini further ruled that the police officers, who arrested Maumbe, were not even aware of the COVID-19 provisions, which they purported to have cited upon apprehending him.
The Magistrate concluded that Maumbe’s arrest and detention was unlawful and that the police officers had jeered at him and insulted him for allegedly being a homosexual and by so doing, violated his right to human dignity guaranteed in terms of provisions of section 51 of the Constitution.
</blockquote>

ZRP Ordered To Pay $800k To Mbare Resident Arrested And Accused Of Being Homosexual By Cops

The late Desmond Tutu’s daughter has been barred by the Church of England from leading a funeral because she is married to a woman.
Mpho Tutu van Furth is an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Washington DC and had been asked to officiate at the funeral of her late godfather, Martin Kenyon, in Shropshire on Thursday.
Ms Tutu van Furth told BBC News it “seemed really churlish and hurtful”.
The Diocese of Hereford said it was “a difficult situation”.
The Church of England does not permit its clergy to be in a same-sex marriage because its official teaching is that marriage is only between one man and one woman.
However, its sister Anglican church in the US, The Episcopal Church, does allow clergy to enter into gay marriages. a statement from the Diocese of Hereford said:
<blockquote>
Advice was given in line with the House of Bishops current guidance on same-sex marriage.
</blockquote>
After Mr Kenyon’s family was told of the Church’s decision, they moved the funeral service from St Michael and All Angels in Wentnor, near Bishops Castle, to a marquee in the vicarage next door so Ms Tutu van Furth could officiate and preach. Ms Tutu van Furth told BBC News:
<blockquote>
It’s incredibly sad. It feels like a bureaucratic response with maybe a lack of compassion.
It seemed really churlish and hurtful. But as sad as that was, there was the joy of having a celebration of a person who could throw open the door to people who are sometimes excluded.
</blockquote>
Mr Kenyon was close friends with the late South African Archbishop, Desmond Tutu.
Ms Tutu van Furth was forced to give up her right to officiate as a priest in South Africa after she married Marceline van Furth, a Dutch academic, in 2015.
Her father Desmond Tutu, who died in December 2021, campaigned in favour of gay rights and backed same-sex marriage.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Sexual Orientation Gets Desmond Tutu's Daughter Sanctioned By Church Of England

ZANU PF members of Parliament caused an uproar in Parliament on Wednesday after claiming some members on the opposition benches were homosexual.
During a question and answer session as MPs debated the measles outbreak in the country, Bindura South MP Remigious Matangira and Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba defended some religious sects that shun vaccination.
Some Apostolic sects in the country do not allow their members to visit clinics or hospitals for treatment when they fall sick or receive vaccination against COVID-19 or child killer diseases.
As legislators debated the issue, Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent), suggested that the government uses different forms of media to urge the public to be vaccinated. He said:
<blockquote>
Can there be a public announcement through the national radio, television, et cetera when such an exercise is being done to make people aware and help officers including departmental heads in various districts to disseminate the information that every child is supposed to be vaccinated?
It was the same again with COVID-19; other parents did not want to do that. We also talk about the very same constitutional provision of the right to life; that failure to do so, those parents will certainly face the full wrath of the law.
</blockquote>
Mliswa’s remarks did not go down well with Matangira and Chinotimba who vehemently defended the churches that do not recognise conventional medicines.
<blockquote>
Gesturing toward the opposition bench, Matangira then shouted, “ikoko ndiko kune ngochani (there are homosexuals on the opposition benches). People’s churches should be respected.”
</blockquote>
This infuriated Mliswa who demanded that Matangira withdraws his remarks. Mliswa said:
<blockquote>
Hon. Matangira should withdraw the statement that “uku ndiko kunogara ngochani” we can also retaliate but please withdraw that statement. Ngochani ndiyani? Do not be a coward Hon. Matangira, shame on you!
You say things that you cannot repeat even to your own children. You said it. Withdraw your words. Uri murume werudzii anorukwa musoro. Unoda kunyenga ani kuno? Hatikude nevhudzi rako iro isu. You lie to your family if you cannot withdraw that statement.
</blockquote>
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi then intervened and ordered Matangira to sit down and for Mliswa to calm down.
Matangira then withdrew his statement. He said:
<blockquote>
I said that people from that side support homosexuality. I did not say there are homosexuals in this House.
Honestly speaking, we have a lot of people who are in jail but who did not commit any offence. Anyway, I withdraw my words.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/tempers-flare-in-parliament-after-zanu-pf-legislator-says-opposition-mps-are-homosexual/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

ZANU PF MP Says Opposition Legislators Are Homosexual

Mozambique will remove a seventh-grade natural science textbook from schools after outrage on social media over content that discussed masturbation and homosexuality.
Pupils in the southern African country have studied “The Secret of Life” by Portuguese publisher Texto Editores for the past 18 years.
However, sections of a chapter on sexual orientation and masturbation went viral on social media after being posted on Facebook last Thursday.
The education ministry responded by withdrawing the book, with controversial parts to be struck off in a new edition to be rolled out later this year. Education Ministry spokeswoman Gina Guibunda said on Tuesday:
<blockquote>
For us, the topic of sexuality is important and should continue to be addressed.
</blockquote>
She said that sex education will continue to be taught but “in a way that does not create problems in society”.
A section of the book taught to children aged between 12 and 13 reads “sometimes it is more comfortable to have a relationship with someone of the same sex. It is called a homosexual relationship.” 
Homosexuality is a taboo in many African countries and is an offence that attracts huge penalties. 
More: AFP

Mozambique Removes From Schools A Book That Discussed Homosexuality

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday passed a bill that prevents marriage officers from refusing to conduct same-sex marriages.
According to the Civil Union Amendment Bill, the Home Affairs Minister must ensure a marriage officer is available to solemnise a civil union at every office.
Earlier, the Centre for Human Rights welcomed the passing of the bill by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Spokesperson Thiruna Naidoo said the bill repealed Section 6 of the Civil Union Act 17 of 2006 (CUA), which provided that a marriage officer may, in writing, inform the Minister of Home Affairs that he or she objects to solemnising a civil union between persons of the same sex on the ground of conscience, religion, and belief.
Naidoo added that this provision had long been a barrier to the legal recognition of same-sex couples by marriage officers in the Department of Home Affairs. Said Naidoo:
<blockquote>Under the Civil Union Amendment Bill, a transitional period of 24 months is given [for] the Department of Home Affairs to train those officials that had previously been granted an exemption by the minister.
During this transitional period, a marriage officer, other than those granted exemption, must be available to solemnise a civil union at every Department of Home Affairs office to ensure that same-sex couples are no longer turned away.</blockquote>
Naidoo further said the bill was a positive step toward eliminating existing differentiation between marriages and civil union partnerships, reducing discrimination against same-sex relationships and achieving equality for same-sex couples in South Africa.
The development comes as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis said in a film released on Wednesday that homosexuals should be protected by civil union laws.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/ramaphosa-passes-the-civil-union-amendment-bill-into-law-20201023" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">News24.com</a></h4>

SA Marriage Officers Now Compelled To Conduct Homosexual Marriages

A study by the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) has revealed that universities in Zimbabwe are not yet open to supporting LGBTI people. This, the study concludes, results is LGBTI people suffering from stigma and as a result, depression.
GALZ director, Chester Samba told The Standard that the organisation therefore needs to invest in engaging universities and the ministry of higher education to address the climate of university campuses for LGBTI people.
Said Samba:
<blockquote>We’re working to foster student development in an environment that is appropriate, non-stigmatising and non-discriminatory and formulating strategies to reduce presence of homophobia and transphobia in institutions of learning.
So far the university is not so open to support LGBTI even though there are some members of staff who are accepting and understanding to our issues.
We have a long way to go before the inclusion of LGBTI people in unversities.
Most universities are blind when it comes to issues of sexuality and them refusing to confront such relaities is what is making most LGBTI persons suffer from depression.
The universities in Zimbabwe are so much inclined to government ideologies which are profouond on an individual and claimed to be cemented by tradition.</blockquote>
Institutions included in the research include UZ, Great Zimbabwe University, MSU, NUST and nine others.
More: <a href="https://news.co.zw/newspapers-tv/standard/">The Standard</a>

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