The Times of Zambia 

THE Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), the mother body of the Catholic Church in the country, has joined the many organisations that have condemned politicians and people campaigning for homosexuality, describing same-sex relationships as “seriously wrong and sinful.”

The comments come in the wake of a statement by Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata that Zambia has laws that protect gays and lesbians and that what was required was to implement the laws.

ZEC spokesperson Paul Samasumo in a statement entitled ‘Homosexuality – what the Bible teaches’ said homosexual acts were contrary to natural law and that under no circumstances can homosexuality be approved.

“The Catholic Church’s constant and firm teaching on homosexual acts is unequivocal. Homosexual acts are seriously wrong and sinful.

“Basing itself on the Bible, Catholic doctrine in the Catechism of the Catholic Church declares that homosexual acts are contrary to natural law. Under no circumstances can homosexual acts be approved,” he said.

Father Samasumo said the natural sex partner for a man is a woman and vice-versa.

“Many homosexual persons argue that they were born that way. Studies on the issue that certain persons have a genetic disposition to homosexuality are inconclusive. Even if this was conclusively proven by science, it would not make homosexual behaviour acceptable.

“In similar manner, there are studies that suggest that there are people who are born with a hereditary disposition towards alcohol. No one would, however, argue that someone ought to fulfil this inborn urge for alcoholism,” he said.

Fr Samasumo said, however, that the Catholic Church acknowledges that homosexuality’s cause or genesis remains largely unexplained.

He said the number of men and women, even within the Zambian society, who had deep- seated homosexual tendencies, although small, is not negligible.

“For some, this constitutes a major trial in their lives. The church makes a distinction between the homosexual orientation or inclination as opposed to the act or behaviour of homosexuality.

“Homosexual acts are wrong. However, people who feel inclined to homosexual acts are fellow human beings. They must not be discriminated against.

“To those with homosexual tendencies, remember God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13),” Fr Samasumo said.

He said homosexuality was a complex phenomenon.

Mr Sata told some foreign journalists recently that Zambia had laws that protect the rights of gays and lesbians and what was required was implementation.

A cross section of the Zambian society has since condemned the opposition leader

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