Zuma's failure to condemn anti-gay law an insult to the Constitution
The DA is outraged by the failure of President Zuma to condemn the draconian anti-gay legislation passed in Uganda earlier this year.
In a reply to my parliamentary question - which I posed to President Zuma to gain clarity on his position on this matter which has received worldwide condemnation - the President said that "South Africa respects the sovereign rights of other countries to adopt their own legislation".
This is an insult to our constitution and to President Mandela's human rights inspired foreign policy. President Zuma, and the entire leadership of the ANC, should hang their heads in shame.
The international community did not adopt a ‘hands off' approach to Apartheid South Africa. We should likewise not stand quietly by as our president adopts this shameful approach when other countries violate the human rights of their people.
To do so is to send a message to the rest of the world that we are hypocrites.
Uganda's anti-gay legislation has horrific consequences for gay Ugandan citizens. The law provides for:
- Life imprisonment for having gay sexual intercourse;
- Life imprisonment for so-called "aggravated homosexuality";
- Life imprisonment for living in a same-sex marriage;
- Seven years for "attempting to commit homosexuality";
- Between five and seven years in jail or a $40,700 (£24,500) fine or both for the "promotion" of homosexuality;
- The cancellation of registration of businesses or non-governmental organisations found guilty of the "promotion of homosexuality". These Directors could face seven years in jail.
President Zuma's latest blunder is yet another example of how the ANC of today is merely a shadow of its former self. It is clear that this government, unlike that of President Nelson Mandela's, no longer shares Madiba's vision that human rights should be "the light that guides our foreign affairs".
One would think a country with a painful history of discrimination like ours, would be the first to condemn such horrid crimes against humanity.
But President Zuma and his ANC remain detached from what is important both in South Africa and on the African continent.
The DA will remain dedicated to implementing a foreign policy that is informed by a commitment to human rights.
That is why a vote for the DA on May 7 will be a vote for the promotion of basic human rights at home and abroad.
Text of The Presidency's reply:
THE PRESIDENCY: REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
381. The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:
Whether he intends to set a clear policy position for South Africa regarding Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW435E
REPLY:
South Africa respects the sovereign rights of other countries to adopt their own legislation.
In this regard, through diplomatic channels South Africa engages with Uganda on areas of mutual concern bearing in mind Uganda's sovereignty.
Statement issued by Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Democratic Alliance, April 9 2014
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