An alliance of churches in Botswana has strongly opposed a parliamentary move to amend the nation’s constitution to include rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
Minister Kabo Morwaegn introduced a constitutional amendment bill aimed at prohibiting discrimination against intersex individuals and those with disabilities, sparking objections from church leaders.
Abraham Kedisang of the Apostolic Faith Mission expressed concern over the amendments, fearing they could undermine Christianity, democracy, and the republic. The proposed changes come after Botswana’s High Court legalized same-sex relations in 2019, prompting government efforts to enshrine gay rights in the constitution.
However, this move has faced opposition, with church leaders arguing against it despite the court ruling. Advocacy group LEGABIBO supports the court's decision, framing the issue as a human rights matter rather than a religious one, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between human rights issues and religious beliefs.