We all have different opinions about lifestyle and morals depending on our beliefs and perception of life. Sometimes we clash with other peoples opinions an end up in a huge debate like the gender sexual preference that is now a heated topic in Tanzania after Makonde made some harsh announcements in move to curb homosexuality in the country.
According to the 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project , 95 percent of Tanzanian residents believed that homosexuality is a way of life that society should not accept, which was the seventh-highest rate of non-acceptance in the 45 countries surveyed.
However in a recent statement Makonde’s sentiments have been rectified as his and not the governments.
“The government of the United Republic of Tanzania would like to clarify that these are (Makonda’s) personal views and not the position of the government,” the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement released Sunday evening.
It added that the government would “continue to respect all international human rights conventions which it subscribes to”.
Christian and loyal ally of President John Magufuli, Makonda had said homosexual behaviour “tramples on the moral values of Tanzanians and our two Christian and Muslim religions”.
Mr Makonda a staunch ally of the president said he expected international criticism for the move, but added: “I prefer to anger those countries than to anger God.”
“Give me their names,” Mr Makonda was quoted as saying by AFP news agency. “My ad hoc team will begin to get their hands on them next Monday.”
Last year, the president said that everybody should condemn homosexuality, “even cows” and soon after his government threatened to arrest or deport gay rights activists.
Three South Africans were subsequently expelled for allegedly advocating for same-sex marriage.
AIDS clinics have also been shut down under Magufuli, accused of “promoting” homosexuality, while he has encouraged women to abandon birth control and have more babies.
The Tanzania Penal Code of 1945 (as revised by the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act, 1998) provides as follows:
* Section 138A. Acts of gross indecency between persons.
- Any person who, in public or private commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than one year and not exceeding five years or to a fine not less than one hundred thousand and not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings; save that where the offence is committed by a person of eighteen years of age or more in respect of any person under eighteen years of age, a pupil of a primary school or a student of secondary school the offender shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than ten years, with corporal punishment, and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of all amount determined by the court to the person in respect of whom the offence was committed for any injuries caused to that person.
Do you support Makonde’s move on homosexuals?