By Leah Ngoma
Human Rights Activist Brebner Changala has charged that the first ever protest by Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Questioning-LGBTQ- community in Zambia is a clear indication that the new dawn administration is tolerant of the LGBTQ movement.
On Saturday last week, protesters convened by Sistah Sistah Foundation Zambia gathered outside the Lusaka Show Grounds advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community.
But Mr. Changala is shocked that the LGBTQ community gathered the courage to come out in the open without interference from law enforcement officers despite homosexuality being illegal in Zambia.
Mr. Changala wonders why such a controversial community could have so much leverage and support of state police when other activists have in the past been arrested for trying to protest against various issues.
He has since challenged government to come out in the open and state its true position on gay rights unlike the current situation where its pronouncements on the matter do not seem to match with their actions
Meanwhile, Police in Lusaka have summoned organizers of the protest to ascertain why the event was turned into a forum for championing homosexuality when the convers applied for a permit to hold a march-past within Lusaka district to raise awareness against women and girls sexual and gender based violence.
Efforts to get a comment from Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda on the matter failed as her mobile phone was switched off.
CREDIT PHOENIX NEWS
