LGBTIQ+ student community in Zimbabwe gets a fatal setback after the government has threatened organizations offering scholarships to them. Read details below
The LGBTIQ+ student community in Zimbabwe gets a fatal setback after the government has threatened organizations offering scholarships to them. The government says it will take action against these organizations to enforce laws against same-sex relationships. This threatens the ability of LGBTIQ+ students to access higher education. Zimbabwe has laws against same-sex relationships, which the government calls "sodomy" and "indecent acts."
A student who benefits from an LGBTIQ+ scholarship said the financial support has helped them stay in school, protecting them from discrimination. They worry that losing this support could force them to stop studying. The government's vice-president, Constantino Chiwenga, said the government rejects attempts to offer scholarships to LGBTIQ+ students. He called it "unlawful" and against Zimbabwean and African values.
Constantino Chiwenga, the country’s vice-president has stated, “The Government of Zimbabwe strongly and firmly rejects and denounces as unlawful, un-Christian, anti-Zimbabwean and un-African insidious attempts by foreign interests to entice, lure and recruit Zimbabwe’s less privileged but able students into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender activities and malpractices through offers of educational scholarships.” It added, “Zimbabwe has legislated against all such deviances, making any offers predicated on the same aberrations both unlawful and criminal, and a grave and gross affront on our national values and ethos as a Christian nation.” as quoted by University World News.
Chiwenga said students should seek scholarships from government departments instead. He warned students not to accept scholarships that go against Zimbabwean values. The government did not say which organizations were offering scholarships, but the LGBTIQ+ association GALZ has been offering scholarships to deserving students. GALZ aims to support LGBTIQ+ students pursuing degrees in fields like democracy and human rights.
An LGBTIQ+ activist thinks the government's statement is meant to distract people from other problems in Zimbabwe. They worry that discussing LGBTIQ+ issues could lead to more discrimination against the community. Many LGBTIQ+ students are too scared to speak out because of the government's announcement. They fear for their safety and future.