Church march against homosexuality bill
The No-Campaign protest by churches against the proposed Penal Code [Amendment] Bill, 2022 is gaining traction across the country as believers start petitioning their MPs to either denounce or call for a national referendum on the bill.
It is reported that thousands of petition letters have been delivered to Constituency Offices countrywide. In-fact relative to the national footprint of 57 Parliamentary constituencies, the petition letters coverage is quickly approaching 100 percent.
According to Christian civic activist and Parliamentary Legal Counsel, Thebe Ramokhua there will be a church campaign on Saturday the 22nd of July 2023, a march and demonstration commencing at 0900hrs from the Baptist Church at Blue - Tree, Maru-A-Pula, culminating with the presentation of a petition to MP Christian Greef, as well as other legislators of the city of Gaborone, and other legislators that will be present.
Furthermore, Ramokhua explained that the Church NO! CAMPAIGN movement got off to a slow start, as it is to be expected against the backdrop of a civil society that is still finding its foothold on national issues.
However, the campaign is picking up momentum with campaign meetings beginning to convene around the country in places like Francistown and Maun to plan civic action. Already the Christian community had a march in Molepolole and delivered a letter to the local member of parliament for Molepolole North MP, Oabile Regoeng.
Ramokhua indicated that in the wake of the Gaborone march and demonstration, they anticipate further marches across the country in different towns, cities and villages, as is being currently mooted.
“We allay fears of the gay community, against the backdrop of charges of homophobia levelled at the church. The church’s arms are outstretched to the gay community with the message of love and salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ”, Ramokhua said.
Responding to the common concerns raised against the protests, that is, whether or not the church movement against the bill will increase the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, Ramokhua noted that grave concerns about health consequences are being raised in certain quarters, beyond concerns regarding HIV/AIDS.
To the contrary concerns regarding prevalence rates for HIV/AIDS have been raised, as well as other grave concerns which have come to the knowledge of health practitioners by the concerned Christians. LEGABIBO said in a press release that it remains resolute in the November 29th, 2021 decision by the court declaring the unconstitutionality of section 165 (a) and (c) of the Penal Code. “Therefore, we anticipate that our legislators (Members of Parliament) will not take decisions that will second guess our courts”.
LEGABIBO chief executive officer Thato Moruti indicated that the church has forgotten its position in the society, which should be to preach love and acceptance. The church, Moruti said, should not be pushing Christian fundamentalism that causes hatred and bullying to disregard human rights protection.
Without the protection of legality, it is impossible to positively impact lives. Batswana are a tolerant nation that respect the principle of Botho and “we should use this principle to show acceptance of one another and not impede on other Batswana’s rights”.
Moruti also reminded the church to recall that all human beings including those of Christian faith must be protected, adding that “homosexuality is not murder nor is it a criminal offence."
Moruti continued that the existence of these provisions perpetuate stigma. The country took a step in the right direction by removing these laws. “What will it benefit the church by having those laws, in fact it will only fuel pure hate and lack of love among the society”.
1 Corinthians 13:4–8a (ESV) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
The statement further called on the President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi to remember the promises made “during our courtesy visit to Office of the President in January 2022” at which the President noted that “he will engage with judicial authorities and respond accordingly also to section 167 of the constitution” and noted that the government “will stand on the decision of the Court of Appeal” and reiterated that the government will continue to support civil society organisations because they play a pivotal role in the process of leadership and governance and that just like other citizens, LGBTIQ+ persons deserve to have their rights protected.
LEGABIBO advises the church and the general public that, “we do not support nor condone any indoctrination of children. We offer services to individuals above the ages of 18, which is the age of majority in Botswana”.
Moruti said they strongly oppose the propaganda and misinformation used by some Christians that thrusts hate and side-lining of minorities. And further worry that religion and faith are being weaponised to distort the message of the church which is to encourage love and restoration.
“We beseech the church institution in Botswana to remember Matthew 22 verse 37-39: Jesus, said the second greatest commandment was to "love your neighbour as yourself'. We need not to lose sight of this and therefore refrain from being coerced and misled by Christian fundamentalism that has caused hatred and bullying to disregard human rights protection”.