Zimbabwe presents a challenging environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals due to a combination of legal restrictions, societal stigma, and historical factors. This article seeks to investigate Zimbabweans’ attitudes towards perceived anti-LGBTQ+ texts such as Romans 1:26-27.
Historical Context
Homosexuality, same-sex relations and cross-dressing used to be accepted and commonplace in Zimbabwe prior to colonisation and post-independence anti-White government policies, which in turn has spread the erroneous belief that homosexuality is un-African or a Western phenomenon brought to the country.
Laws against same-sex sexual activity date back to 1891, when the British South Africa Company imposed the law used at the Cape of Good Hope on the region. Common law prohibitions include sodomy, defined as the "unlawful and intentional sexual relations per anum between two human males" as well as unnatural offences, defined as the unlawful and intentional commission of an unnatural sexual act by one person with another person.
Zimbabwe’s late President, R.G. Mugabe, became (in)famous for his bawdy and scurrilous attacks on people of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) sexual orientation. It has been argued that a strong homophobic atmosphere has persistently hung over Zimbabwe since the regime of President Mugabe who went to the extent of describing non-heterosexual people as worse than dogs and pigs (Muparamoto 2020).
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on 28 September 2015, R.G. Mugabe intimated that gay rights are ‘new rights’ which the Western countries seek to impose on Zimbabweans contrary to the country’s norms, values, traditions and beliefs (Justice 2015). During his presidential speech in 2013 Mugabe described homosexuality as ‘a filthy, filthy disease which destroys nations’. Mugabe used his anti-gay rhetoric as an electioneering campaign tool to the extent that he warned that the ancestors of Zimbabwe would be angry with and punish the country with natural disasters if homosexuality is allowed (Maurice 2019).
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Legal Status
Zimbabwe codified its criminal laws in 2006, explicitly criminalising same-sex sexual activity in legislation for the first time since it gained its independence. Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Criminal Law Act 2006, which criminalises acts of ‘sodomy’. This provision carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment and a fine.
In 2006, Section 73 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act of Zimbabwe was revised to expand the penalty for sodomy to include acts ‘that would be regarded by a reasonable person as an indecent act to include two men holding hands, hugging or kissing and could carry an extended prison term’ (Voice of America News 2017).
There has not been any recorded case of same sex marriage in the country, and this is probably because Section 78(3) of the Zimbabwe Constitution forbids same sex marriages. Article 78 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage.
Regarding other legal rights:
- Right to change legal gender: Illegal. Gender marker change is not allowed.
- Hate crime protections: No protections.
- LGBT employment/housing discrimination: No protections.
- Same-sex adoption: Single only.
The Freedom of Information Act (2020) and the Cyber and Data Protection Act (2022) offer explicit protection based on sexual orientation regarding personal information.
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Current Status and Societal Attitudes
Following the death of Mugabe and the electoral victory of Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as President in 2018, Zimbabwe’s LGBTQ+ group through its umbrella body, Gays and Lesbian Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ), expressed optimism that his win portended an end to anti-gay sentiment.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2022) observed that unlike President Mugabe who displayed unveiled hostility towards LGBTI persons, President Mnangagwa has not shown open revulsion or hostility towards homosexuality ‘although he has failed to visibly support LGBTI persons’. When asked what his stance on gays and homosexuality is by Richard Quest of CNN, President Mnangagwa replied that his stance was guided by the Zimbabwe Constitution which outlawed homosexuality and that he was not placed to campaign or speak out for gay people who are free to canvass for their rights so that they get majority support to amend the constitution in their favour.
Despite the legal restrictions, sensual and intimate same sex relations are indeed taking place in the country’s major cities and holiday resorts (Ntsabo 2018). Sensual and intimate same sex relations are indeed taking place in the country’s major cities and holiday resorts (Ntsabo 2018). A rising number of underage boys are selling themselves on the streets (UNDP, 2022).
Societal homophobia and transphobia remain widespread. For example, an Afrobarometer survey from March/April 2022 noted that almost 80% of people would strongly dislike or dislike having a ‘homosexual’ neighbour. LGBTI people may face discrimination, violence, verbal and sexual harassment, and extortion by community and family members. Some LGBTI persons are forcibly subject to conversion therapies - practices that are believed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity - usually by family members. However, due to stigma and the criminalisation of same-sex sexual activity incidents may go unreported. GALZ collated a small sample of 38 incidents of violations against LGBTI people in 2021. In ther report covering 2022, GALZ identified 28 cases of violations.
According to a 2018 survey, 50% of gay men in Zimbabwe had been physically assaulted and 64% had been disowned by their families. Ntsabo (2018) reported that 50% of gay men were assaulted and 64% disowned by their family members due to the stigma associated with homosexuality in the country.
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There is a "gay scene,” within limitations. Lesbians, living on their own or together, may face greater difficulties than gay men. GALZ (Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe) takes a realistic view: Zimbabwe is “not the worst place in the world to be gay or lesbian even though the President, government officials and church leaders have whipped up a climate of hysterical homophobia.”
There has been a substantial decrease in the level of official hostility towards the LGBTI community under Mnangagwa, particularly in relation to homophobic rhetoric from state officials. President Mnangagwa met with LGBTI advocates following his accession, while ZANU- PF officials also engaged for the first time ahead of the July 2018 elections. LGBTI advocates also report that they have been able to commence a dialogue with police representatives in order to build a better understanding of the community and its needs, including through developing a field manual for policing marginalised communities. Advocates are also working with the media towards more sensitive and objective reporting of LGBTI issues, rather than the sensationalism that was the norm under Mugabe.
Despite these challenges, organizations like GALZ continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and provide support to the community. These groups face increasing restrictions due to legislative changes that affect their ability to operate.
Reader Response Criticism
Through a Reader Response critical analysis, the article investigates Zimbabweans’ attitudes towards perceived anti-LGBTQ+ texts such as Romans 1:26-27. According to Christensen (2024), Reader Response explores the influence of personal experiences and emotions on textual interpretations. The major thrust of Reader Response Criticism is to interrogate how readers receive biblical texts in terms of their diverse and unique life experiences and situations. This research strategically used Reader Response Criticism because, although it focuses mainly on the reader and what she or he brings to the text, it allows interpretation to factor in other lenses through which the text can be viewed. The approach allows to examine how individual words and phrases influence the reader’s creation of meaning.
Reader Response Criticism enables us to catch a glimpse of Paul’s Greco-Roman context, the world of the text and the world of the Zimbabwean reader of Romans 1:26-27. How an emerging querulous young generation in Zimbabwe has responded to colonial theologies that have supported homophobia is discussed in the article.
Key Considerations for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Despite the challenges, it is important to note that many LGBTQ+ individuals have traveled to and lived in Zimbabwe without incident. However, it is crucial to be aware of the legal and social context and to take precautions to ensure personal safety.
Some tips for LGBTQ+ travelers to Africa include:
- Avoid public displays of affection.
- Be aware of local laws and customs.
- Research LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations and tour operators.
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations for support and information.
Table: LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections in Zimbabwe
| Issue | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Same-sex sexual activity (male) | Illegal (up to 1 year imprisonment) |
| Same-sex sexual activity (female) | Legal, but women may face arrest for 'indecent acts' |
| Same-sex marriage | Banned |
| Legal Gender Recognition | Illegal |
| Hate crime protections | No protections |
| LGBT employment discrimination | No protections |
| LGBT housing discrimination | No protections |
| Same-sex adoption | Single only |
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