LGBTQI community slams politicians for fanning hate crime
Alarming surge in deadly hate crimes sparks outcry
The LGBTQI community and allies have criticised Swapo member of parliament Jerry Ekandjo for fuelling harassment and violence against the community.
Following a recent increase in what many view as hate crimes, members of the LGBTQI community are criticising politicians for perpetuating targeted violence and demanding that politicians stop their campaign of hate against sexual minority groups.
These demands were voiced during a meeting held on Wednesday in Swakopmund, convened by community activists and allies to address the issue of 'targeted violence' against members of the LGBTQI community.
Statistics indicate that over the past eight months, six individuals from the LGBTQI community have been brutally murdered, namely Christof Frederick (30), Gerome Helgrain (41), Vernon Gavin (52), Queen Uwuseb (35), Gurney Uirab (35) and Stanley Cloete (36).
The mutilated body of Frederick, who identified as a woman, was recently found in Otjomuise in Windhoek.
Dangerous laws
The LGBTQI community also criticised Swapo member of parliament Jerry Ekandjo's private members' bills, citing them as a contributing factor to the increase in harassment and violence against the community.
The bills aim to redefine the term 'spouse' and amend the Marriage Act of 1961 to prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages in Namibia.
In addition, these bills propose imposing a sentence of six years' immediate imprisonment or a fine of N$100 000 for the "promotion" of same-sex marriage".
Commit to equality
Desiree Haman, the director of the Khaibasen Rural Action Foundation, argued that leaders must take care of all Namibians, regardless of their background.
"Leaders must show they care for the whole of Namibia and are not just conservative, ill-informed and intolerant Namibians.
“This country belongs to all of us! Socially, religiously and politically conservative Namibians must allow all Namibians to enjoy peace and stability," Haman said.
The community are also demanding that politicians stop their hate campaign against sexual minorities; for national leaders to strongly condemn the wave of violence against sexual minorities; that political parties support the right to exist of all Namibians; and that politicians, political parties and elected officials reaffirm their commitment to Namibia where everyone strives for their own well-being and the prosperity of all Namibians.
They have urged Namibians to adopt the vision of the country's founders, what they fought for and the "One Namibia, One Nation" ideal.
These demands were voiced during a meeting held on Wednesday in Swakopmund, convened by community activists and allies to address the issue of 'targeted violence' against members of the LGBTQI community.
Statistics indicate that over the past eight months, six individuals from the LGBTQI community have been brutally murdered, namely Christof Frederick (30), Gerome Helgrain (41), Vernon Gavin (52), Queen Uwuseb (35), Gurney Uirab (35) and Stanley Cloete (36).
The mutilated body of Frederick, who identified as a woman, was recently found in Otjomuise in Windhoek.
Dangerous laws
The LGBTQI community also criticised Swapo member of parliament Jerry Ekandjo's private members' bills, citing them as a contributing factor to the increase in harassment and violence against the community.
The bills aim to redefine the term 'spouse' and amend the Marriage Act of 1961 to prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages in Namibia.
In addition, these bills propose imposing a sentence of six years' immediate imprisonment or a fine of N$100 000 for the "promotion" of same-sex marriage".
Commit to equality
Desiree Haman, the director of the Khaibasen Rural Action Foundation, argued that leaders must take care of all Namibians, regardless of their background.
"Leaders must show they care for the whole of Namibia and are not just conservative, ill-informed and intolerant Namibians.
“This country belongs to all of us! Socially, religiously and politically conservative Namibians must allow all Namibians to enjoy peace and stability," Haman said.
The community are also demanding that politicians stop their hate campaign against sexual minorities; for national leaders to strongly condemn the wave of violence against sexual minorities; that political parties support the right to exist of all Namibians; and that politicians, political parties and elected officials reaffirm their commitment to Namibia where everyone strives for their own well-being and the prosperity of all Namibians.
They have urged Namibians to adopt the vision of the country's founders, what they fought for and the "One Namibia, One Nation" ideal.
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