The Botswana Movement for Democracy(BMD) has become the first political party to boldly declare its opposition to efforts to legalize homosexuality in Botswana and undermine the traditional family.
It follows extensive lobbying by the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), a national association of Pentecostal and evangelical churches and para-church organizations with shared values. EFB remains concerned about the judgement of the Court of Appeal to decriminalize homosexual conduct.
The same judgment declared sections 164 (a) and (c) of the Penal Code unconstitutional and to be struck out. Consequently, the Minister of Justice drafted Bill NO: 29 of 2022 whose object was to amend by deletion section 164(a) and (c) as per the court of Appeal decision.
“Protecting and promoting individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. Also fundamental to us will be to preserve and defend our family values by our consistent disapproval of homosexuality as part of us,” said Reverend Thuso Tiego, the newly appointed President of the Botswana Movement for Democracy(BMD).
He said, “Advocating for a legal system that is fair, just, and applies equally to all citizens without fear or favour. However, the new BMD will bring about positive transformation and change by advocating and mobilizing for greater political participation, civil liberties, transparency, and accountability.”
The EFB says it is aware of pressure put on African governments including Botswana to enact such Laws. It is noteworthy that Batswana are not ready for this as was argued by the Attorney General before the Court of Appeal. Many critics feel Botswana should be given the liberty to exist as such.
The same right has been given to the state of Florida by the United States Government. The same dispensation has been extended to the Arab world.
There are allegedly several social costs that should be expected by the endorsement of the amendment.
There is also empirical evidence that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases amongst homosexual persons is high due to the nature of the practice. The most affected persons being youths who are susceptible to peer pressure and population growth which will be affected negatively.
“African nations have consistently refused to legalize homo-sexuality due to their pro traditional family stance. The family institution and principles must be protected by the government with strong civil and moral laws against any intrusive forces. Children must be protected by the society from all sorts of pedophilia practices, rape, defilement, and atrocious cultural and moral influences vigorously,” said Pastor Jobe R. Koosimile, Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), Committee Chairperson.
He said, “The marriage institution is at a high risk. Once homosexuality is legalized then the concerned individuals will demand for marital rights. In Botswana marriage practices involve the two families of the man and woman who intend to get married. There is lobola to be paid. So who pays lobola if it’s a man marrying a man or a woman marrying a woman and to which family? Marriage is a holy matrimonial institution established by God and must be kept pure.”
The Botswana Government appears to be trying to circumvent efforts to oppose homosexuality by avoiding debates in parliament whilst propounding the sacrosanct nature of judicial decisions.
It has withdrawn a bill designed to legalize homosexuality from debate and refuses to be drawn into discussions on the urgency of rushing these laws through without subjecting them to a referendum.
“Following the publication of the penal code amendment act, a number of constitutional issues were raised with the Ministry. The Bill was therefore deferred to allow for extension consultations on the constitutional issues,” said Oteng Mokwe, Ministry of Justice Spokesperson.
The Botswana Movement for Democracy(BMD) once a rising political star under its charismatic late leader Gomolemo Motsweledi has vowed to intensify grassroots mobilization, civil society and youth activism, protests, lockdowns and social movement dedicated to democratic principles.
It insists it is focused on engaging citizens, raising awareness about democratic rights and responsibilities, and advocating for policies and reforms that strengthen democratic institutions.
Party Leaders today acknowledged that BMD suffered internal power struggles and conflicts among its leadership which was a major source of division within the movement.
“Differences in leadership styles, ambitions, and visions for the party led to infighting and as a subsequent spreading to innocent members,” said Tiego.
He said, “Personal ambitions and egos of individual party members overshadowed the collective goals of the movement. Some prioritized personal interests over the party’s objectives.”
