"Gay and lesbian Namibians are being scapegoated for the country's problems and demonised as the enemies of the state," according to Peter Tatchell of the UK-based LGBT human rights group OutRage!

"The homophobic slurs by Namibia's Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, Ms Theopolina Mushelenga, are the latest in a long series of attacks on Namibian lesbians and gay men by senior government officials.

"We echo the condemnation of this vilification made by Gays & Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ). See their statement below.

"The Namibian President, Sam Nujoma, has for years echoed the anti-gay hate speech of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. He has denounced and threatened queers, encouraging a climate of prejudice, discrimination and violence.

"It is pure bigotry for Ms Theopolina Mushelenga to suggest that lesbian and gay Namibians are unAfrican, have betrayed the struggle for national liberation, and are responsible for the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

"Her hateful comments can only stir up intolerance and divide Namibian society.

"The truth is that many LGBT people were involved in Namibia's liberation struggle against South African occupation. They battled side-by-side with their straight comrades to free their country.

"In the West, many gay people like myself were involved in solidarity movements to support Namibia's liberation movement, SWAPO, during the freedom struggles of the 1970s and 1980s.

"Ms Theopolina Mushelenga is turning her back on the values of universal human rights and social justice that inspired SWAPO's battle against white minority rule and South African occupation.

"We express our solidarity with all Namibians striving for human rights," said Mr Tatchell.

Further information:
Brett Lock, OutRage! 0770 843 5917
GALZ - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it