An alliance of churches in Botswana has vehemently opposed a recent move by the parliament to revise the nation’s constitution to incorporate rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The objection arose following the introduction of a constitutional amendment bill by Kabo Morwaegn, the country’s Minister for State President, during its initial reading on Wednesday.
Among the proposed amendments is the addition of a clause aimed at safeguarding and prohibiting discrimination against intersex individuals and those with disabilities.
Abraham Kedisang, a cleric affiliated with the Apostolic Faith Mission, voiced his dismay at the prospect of amending the constitution, expressing disappointment with the direction of the development.
Mr. Kedisang expressed concern that the provision could pose a threat to Christianity, democracy, and the republic as a whole.
“As the AFM Botswana, we express our grave concerns regarding the tabling and ultimate debate by parliament of these proposed amendments without the benefit of the people’s engagement and contribution.
In 2019, Botswana’s High Court rendered same-sex relations legal following a legal challenge. Subsequently, in July 2023, the government introduced a bill to enshrine gay rights in the constitution, sparking opposition from a sizable contingent of protestors. Mr. Kedisang, in response to the protests, asserted the church’s prerogative to contest the proposed changes, notwithstanding the court’s 2019 ruling to decriminalize same-sex relations.
A prominent advocacy group, Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), stood behind the court’s decision in 2019. Thato Moruti, the group’s chief executive, emphasised that the proposed constitutional amendments were centred on safeguarding human rights rather than being a religious matter. Advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, Moruti stressed the importance of distinguishing human rights issues from religious beliefs, framing the legalisation of same-sex relations as a human rights concern rather than a religious one.
“It is an issue that is concerned with reducing systematic disadvantages on other people, especially the LGBTQI persons.”