NAMIBIA: Outrage at minister's homophobia

Lesbian and gay groups and civil liberties organisations have expressed outrage at threats made by Namibia's home affairs minister, Jerry Ekandjo, on September 30. Addressing a graduation ceremony for police officers in Ondangwa, Ekandjo urged them to "eliminate" gays and lesbians "from the face of Namibia".

Ekandjo told the new police that the "constitution does not guarantee rights for gays and lesbians" and equated homosexuality with murder. Even if a gay man or lesbian woman had a homosexual dog, it would be killed, he threatened.

The Rainbow Project (TRP), which promotes gay and lesbian rights in Namibia, on called on the government to reject Ekandjo's claim that homosexuality is a crime. The rights of gays and lesbians are protected under the constitution's recognition that "the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is indispensable for freedom, justice and peace", the TRP said.

Ekandjo's threats are just the latest in a series of homophobic attacks made by Namibian government leaders. Former home affairs deputy minister Jeremiah Nambinga has in the past called for legislation to bar gay activities, describing homosexuality as evil and anti-social. President Sam Nujoma has also vowed to "uproot" homosexuality from Namibian society.

From GLW issue 424