'Sata’ gays stance warning sign'

By ALEX NJOVU

A YOUTH organisation has condemned Patriotic Font (PF) president Michael Sata's support for gay rights.
And MMD women, a former diplomat and a former district commissioner have joined other Zambians who have roundly condemned Mr Sata's intention to legalise gay rights in Zambia should he become president after this year's elections.
Operation Young Vote (OYV), information and publicity secretary Isaac Mwale said Mr Sata's position on homosexuality should be condemned because it is shameful.
"As young people, we feel let down and betrayed by such a stance, especially that it is coming from someone who is vying for the highest position in our land," Mr Mwale said.
He said it is sad Mr Sata would go to such extremes to win support from the outside world for his presidential ambitions.
Mr Mwale said Mr Sata’s position on homosexuality is not just immoral and unGodly, but against Zambian culture.
Meanwhile, MMD women in Kitwe have said Mr Sata should not be entrusted with the affairs of the country because he is allegedly unreliable.
Speaking during a press briefing on March 20 in Kitwe, MMD women castigated Mr Sata for supporting gay rights.
District women chairlady Concepta Chapemba warned Zambians against voting for Mr Sata in this year’s elections.
“As women in Kitwe, we are very shocked and saddened with Mr Sata’s stance on homosexuality, lesbianism and gay rights. It is also surprising that Mr Sata can shamelessly deny his own statement, which was recorded. Zambians must take time to listen to Chanda Chimba’s programmes on ZNBC,” she said.
And former ambassador to Libya Mulondwe Muzungu says Mr Sata’s call for recognition of homosexuality is a warning to Zambians the opposition leader cannot be trusted as republican president.
Mr Muzungu said in a statement in Lusaka that Zambians should reject Mr Sata because his stance on homosexuality is an abomination in the country.
“This is profanity of the name of God. In this regard, my view is that Zambians must not just suffer shock, but must take heed and reflect seriously on these developments, which I consider to be revelations from the good Lord.
“God loves Zambia, and is warning us against embracing Mr Sata’s leadership,” he said.
Mr Muzungu said the country will be unsafe to give Mr Sata the republican presidency.
“As they say, coming events cast their shadow before them. Signs of what would befall Zambia if there was a change of government to Mr Sata are on the wall,” he said.
Mr Muzungu said Mr Sata’s call for change of government is not for the good of the country, but to move Zambia from better to worse.
Meanwhile, former Lusaka MMD district chairman Michael Bwalya says Zambia does not need a leader such as Mr Sata, who is in support of homosexuality, because he has already shown what kind of a government he will make.
Mr Bwalya said Mr Sata should concentrate on repackaging his party instead of supporting homosexuality.
He said in an interview in Lusaka on March 20 the MMD is the only party that is competent and able to deliver.
Mr Bwalya, who is also former district commissioner for Kafue, said if Mr Sata was a Christian, he was not going to support gay rights.
He said homosexuality is inhuman and against the principles of Christianity.
“It is sad that Mr Sata, who claims to be a staunch Catholic, is supporting gay rights, which is sinful,” he said.
He, however, commended the Catholic Church for coming out strongly to condemn homosexuality.