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Gay and lesbian radicals are not a new phenomenon. The Leviticus narration engages so succinctly not only the matter on same sex marriages but even on bestiality.
Leviticus 18:22-25 says: “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. A man must not defile himself by having sex with an animal. And a woman must not offer herself to a male animal to have intercourse with it. This is a perverse act. Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, for the people I am driving out before you have defiled themselves in all these ways,” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation).
Not only is this an Old Testament phenomenon, but it spilt into the New Testament. Romans 1: 26 to 27 says “…they soon didn’t know how to be human either — women didn’t know how to be women, men didn’t know how to be men. Sexually confused, they abused and defiled one another, women with women, men with men — all lust, no love. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it — emptied of God and love, godless and loveless wretches.”
(THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language).
In these times, lesbianism seems to be getting even more controversial as we even see some leaders across the political divide and religious circles buying into it. As Zimbabweans we are not left out and the issue is swiftly creeping into our minds even if we at times are not interested in knowing about it. For example, when the SABC 1 soap, Generations showed gays for the first time, it was received with an uproar, but with time, it’s being slowly played into people’s minds and it could get normal to some very soon.
The most obvious justification by gays has been that, they are created that way. The other perspective is: if it does not harm anyone why bother? Or if it’s a mutual relationship as in heterosexual setup and those involved feel right, then where is the quandary? They have also cited the genetic make-up as a cause for them to indulge in same sex activities. The cry from homosexuals has been that their status should be accepted and their rights be respected.
When we delve in the Bible we discover that it is God who instituted marriage and that marriage should be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2vs 18 to 25). Sexual intimacy between a man and a woman is not only meant for pleasure, but for procreation. The role of the satanic dogma is deception and coating lies with false justifications. Writing in his book called the Power and the Purpose of a Man, Dr Myles Monroe, points out that “…where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable”. In this case the role of man or woman is being abused.
God detests homosexual acts and they will not go unpunished if the perpetrators do not repent. 1 Corinthians 6 verse 9 points: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God,” (NIV).
Western media imperialism has had a great impact on how the issue of same sex marriage is to be handled globally. To a larger extent, it has negative effects on African norms, systems and culture in general. Television and internet are the biggest purveyors of same-sex marriages. The danger with this generation is that some people derive their identity, and security from what they hear and see in the media due to the reason that the family fabric is fast getting disintegrated.
What do we do as a country? Should we just watch and see where things will end? In the current draft constitution, the issue of homosexuality should be clear cut and be outlawed. As Zimbabweans we should not condone homosexuality. Fornication, adultery, infidelity, and bestiality have been uprightly condemned but why is the issue of homosexuality inconclusive?
President Mugabe has been very clear that he is anti-gays and lesbians. Commenting about the Association of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) at the country’s annual International Book Fair in Harare some years back, the President said:
“I find it extremely outrageous and repugnant to my human conscience that such immoral and repulsive organisations, like those of homosexuals, who offend both against the law of nature and the morals of religious beliefs espoused by our society, should have any advocates in our midst and elsewhere in the world.”
The President also once said, “It degrades human dignity. It’s unnatural, and there is no question ever of allowing these people to behave worse than dogs and pigs. If dogs and pigs do not do it, why must human beings? We have our own culture, and we must re-dedicate ourselves to our traditional values that make us human beings . . . What we are being persuaded to accept is sub-animal behaviour and we will never allow it here. If you see people parading themselves as lesbians and gays, arrest them and hand them over to the police!”
The Zimbabwe church deportment is clear: No to same-sex marriages. As a country we need to resonate together with a big NO to gay and lesbian relationships or marriages. This will preserve our culture and dignity as a state. In a quizzical conclusion: As a parent, how would you feel to see your boy child kissing another boy or your girl child fondling another girl?
l Jonah Nyoni is a Developmental Journalist and motivational speaker. E-mail: [email protected]: w.jonahnyoni.blogspot.com. Tel: 0772 581 918
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