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Zimbabwe: Gay and Lesbians of Zimbabwe's Statement Concerning Homophobic Attack in Harare

08/16/2004

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) has been monitoring the recent rise of homophobic attacks in Zimbabwe. On August 2nd, members of the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) were forced to flee from an international book fair held in Harare when an angry mob attacked them. Several of the group were physically injured. Just in March, Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, celebrating his 80th birthday, said "I'm morally repulsed by homosexuality." Mugabe has a long history of homophobic attacks in the country, and has stated that he considers gays men and lesbians "worse than pigs and dogs." On several occasions has ordered police to round up and jail gays and lesbians.

Below you will find a statement released by Keith Goddard of GALZ.

Statement from the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) Dated Wednesday 4th August 2004 Regarding an incident at ZIBF on Monday 2nd August 2004

In August 1996, the Supreme Court confirmed the right of GALZ to participate at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair. Between 1997 and 2002, the association exhibited by placing its information on the Book Fair Human Rights Stand. In 2003, GALZ applied to participate in its own right and, quite correctly, the application was treated exactly like that of any other exhibitor. At last year’s event there were no incidents of violence. GALZ applied again this year and was accepted.

On Monday afternoon, a GALZ member at the GALZ stand was gratuitously attacked by a member of the public. Although minor, the incident was reported to the police who acted in a professional manner and arrested the culprit. The GALZ member decided not to press charges. The incident was also brought to the attention of the Book Fair Administration Clerk who expressed satisfaction at the way the police had handled the matter.

GALZ does not condone violence and we are not a threat. Those who cause violence are a threat to public safety and security and we ask that they stay away from our stand.

Keith Goddard
- Director, Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ)