Zambia’s Vice-President George Kunda continues to use homosexuality as a wedge issue in the upcoming 2011 elections. He has challenged Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema to give Zambians their position on homosexuality and gay rights, the Lusaka Times reports.

    Mr Kunda said Mr Sata has allegedly been linked to supporting homosexuality and gay rights in Zambia and it is strange that he has not denied that he wants to promote and advance the rights of homosexuals and gay people.

    Mr Kunda said in Serenje on Thursday at a public rally that Zambia is a Christian nation and alien practices such as same sex relationships will never be promoted and condoned.

    “With this type of leadership, Zambia will be a rogue State. I am challenging him (Mr Sata) to deny he is supporting homosexuality and gay rights in Zambia.

    “Mr Hichilema has gone into an alliance with Mr Sata. Does he believe in what Mr Sata is doing? Does he also believe in homosexuality and gay rights?” Mr Kunda asked.

    Mr Kunda said President Banda has condemned homosexuality and gay rights. The Vice-President alleged that Mr Sata is unpredictable and inconsistent and cannot be entrusted with the instruments of power because he cannot handle the security of the nation. 

In May of 2010, the anti-gay views of Anglican Council presiding Bishop Robert Mumbi were published on President Rupiah Bwezani Banda’s State House website. Botswana’s former president Festus Mogae has been working with President Banda to moderate his views about homosexuality.

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