This BBC article is in regards to a letter written by the Archbishops to the presidents of Nigeria and Uganda, as well as to the heads of Anglican churches globally. It addresses the extremely harsh laws passed by Nigeria and Uganda that outright violates and targets the rights of people with same-sex attractions, and those that support them. The Archbishops specifically mentions in this letter as referenced in the article, that “…homosexual people were loved and valued by God and should not be victimized or diminished.”
The world is in an uproar due to these reports wherein Nigeria’s
President Goodluck Jonathan, signed into law a bill banning same-sex marriages,
gay groups and shows of same-sex public affections. In Uganda, their bill calls
for far greater punishments for gay people and those who fail to turn them into
police. This is the country where homophobia is widespread and ‘corrective’
rapes have been reported against lesbians. Though the bill was passed by
parliament, it has however been blocked for now by the Ugandan President Museveni,
due to what seems to be pressure from the West threatening donor aid
withdrawals if this should persist.
Human rights groups including the United Nations have
heavily criticized these legislatures termed as ‘draconian’. Though the church
is in support of homosexuals, traditional Anglicans along with members of the
Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon), condemned the preaching’s as
"false gospel" to claim God's blessing for same-sex unions.Analysis
The report highlights the power of sexual orientation when it comes to religion, specifically in the Anglican faith to begin with but not quite addressing additional Christian beliefs or alternate religion views. The article is a call for Christian understanding and support of gay people as a huge number of people are being adversely affected by these legislatures. As we can see, it is a huge sociological problem not only in the continent of Africa, but also here in the United States as well as in countries world-wide. The church however as we know it, has always had an enormous influence on how the public thinks. By speaking up now in regards to gay and lesbian rights, it serves as a beginning step in ‘curing’ ancient views which threatens a countries economic and social development. In this century, it is hard to think mankind cannot be tolerant of each other despite our many differences. I am an African Muslim with a variety of opinions myself, but that should not and does not affect my treatment of a person with an alternate opinion or lifestyle than mine. Rather, I believe one should be judged and treated based on an individuals character which makes for a far more tolerable society for us all. Discrimination has never brought along progress but rather a lot of hurt, anger and loss of life so why can’t these African leaders learn from history? A lot of developing countries are dependent on the West for aid which is often used as a weapon of control, yet still we continue to implement laws that set us years back in terms of social development as well as economically.
Gay and lesbian rights is an ongoing problem with a
variation of sociological views that impacts global trade limiting resources
and wealth to nations which causes widespread poverty as well as steps back in
modernization. Not many nations would want to invest or trade with a country
that ruthlessly violates the rights of fellow humans just because they don’t like
or agree with a particular lifestyle. We see from this that it’s a long term
fight, but a step in the right direction when religious leaders are willing to
speak up and technology is available to reach nations where in ancient times was
unheard of. There is indeed a potential for sociological change in regards to
this global issue.
The above mentioned article can be found via this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25959942
No comments:
Post a Comment