The Zimbabwe government has been violating the rights of LGBT Zimbabweans, especially members of Gay and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ).
On August 20th, police officers came into the offices of GALZ and were there for six hours, confiscating computers, documents, and advocacy materials. This is the second raid on GALZ this month -- the first involved the detainment of 44 members who were brutally beaten, many requiring medical treatment.
President Robert Mugabe, who has been in office since 1980, has been leading anti-gay efforts. He uses his place of authority to attack LGBT Zimbabweans and has promised not to include any inclusive language in Zimbabwe's new constitution when it comes to LGBT folks.
Please tell the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe to make sure that the new constitution includes equal rights for all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, and for Zimbabwe to stop attacks on LGBT people!
Dear Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe,
There have been two raids on GALZ (Gay and Lesbians of Zimbabwe) this month. The first involved the detainment of 44 members who were brutally beaten and required medical treatment. The second, on August 20th, involved the confiscating of important materials such as documents, computers, and advocacy information.
Harassment of LGBT folks has been going on for awhile under President Mugabe, who enforces anti-gay efforts and has pledged to not include LGBT inclusive language in Zimbabwe's new constitution.
Please make sure that equal rights for all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, are included in the constitution and that Zimbabwe stops attacking LGBT people.
Thank you for your time.
