The President of the Socialist Party of Zambia, Fred M’membe, has called on the United States to stay away from LGBTQ issues in Zambia. According to M’membe, the Western nations’ promotion of same-sex relationships in the country is a threat to Zambia’s traditional values and beliefs.
Speaking at a press conference in Lusaka, M’membe said that homosexuality has no place in Zambia, and that same-sex relations are unacceptable. He added that Zambians have their own beliefs, traditions, and customs, laws, and practices, and should be allowed to decide what to keep and what to change.
“There’s no need for the West to encourage same-sex relationships in Zambia. In African traditions, sex matters, in general, are not dealt with in this way. We are obligated to protect our children from degradation and degeneracy. If we are not careful, this will pervert the family and national identity,” M’membe said.
M’membe also accused the West of pushing a gay agenda in Zambia and urged Zambians to take responsibility for protecting their country’s traditional values. He warned that if they fail to do so, they risk losing themselves.
“We don’t agree with many of their laws, political practices, or even traditions, but we have left that for the American people to decide how they govern themselves and their country,” he said.
M’membe’s comments come amid growing concern among Zambian officials about the promotion of LGBTQ rights in the country. Last year, Zambia’s President, Edgar Lungu, signed a law that criminalized homosexuality, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison.
The United States and other Western nations have been criticized by some Zambian officials for their support of LGBTQ rights. In 2019, the US Ambassador to Zambia, Daniel Foote, was recalled after he criticized the country’s laws criminalizing homosexuality.
M’membe’s comments are likely to be welcomed by conservative groups in Zambia, who have long campaigned against LGBTQ rights. However, they are likely to draw criticism from human rights groups, who argue that Zambia’s laws criminalizing homosexuality are a violation of basic human rights.