Botswana Churches Reject Proposal for Gay Rights

A coalition of churches in Botswana has raised objections to parliament’s proposed constitutional amendments to include gay rights. The minister for state president, Kabo Morwaeng, introduced a bill for the first reading, which includes a clause to protect intersex persons and those with disabilities. However, churches, including the Apostolic Faith Mission, have strongly opposed the move.

Pastor Abraham Kedisang expressed concerns about the lack of public engagement in the proposed amendments, stating that they pose a threat to Botswana’s Christian way of life and democracy. The High Court of Botswana decriminalized same-sex relations in 2019, leading to the government’s proposal to incorporate gay rights into the constitution in 2023. Despite the court ruling, the church continues to challenge the changes.

Thato Moruti, the chief executive of Lesbians, Gay and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), emphasized that the amendments are about protecting human rights and not a religious issue. Moruti urged lawmakers to recognize the importance of democracy in including minority groups like the LGBTQI community.

The government’s challenge against the 2019 judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021. Before the decriminalization of homosexuality in Botswana, the offense carried a penalty of up to seven years in jail. Homosexuality remains illegal in most African countries, with some, like Uganda, imposing severe penalties, including the death sentence.