Abortion, same sex marriages stir debate

Mwanza. The right to abort and same sex marriages stirred a heated debate on the first draft of the new Constitution conducted by civic and human rights organisations operating in the Lake Zone.

Organised by Mwanza Policy Initiative (MPI) and funded by a Swedish organisation, Forum Syd, rights activits were unhappy with the lack of clarity in some clauses of the draft Constitution, which they feared might be used to legalise abortion and same sex marriages.

It was discovered during the debate that some sections on the citizen’s rights, notably the rights to live and privacy, did not clarify what it implies.

As noted in the presentation by St Augustine University of Tanzania (Saut) vice chancellor, Dr Charles Kitima, if not clearly clarified one would translate it to suit personal or group’s interests. Also suggested for clarity was the citizens’ right to privacy, which members claimed it’s being used in the West to justify the controversial same sex marriages.

“Campaigners of same sex marriages, lesbianism and homosexuality may capitalise on the lack of clarity in these clauses to justify the practice, despite getting stiff opposition from religious bodies and pro-tradition activists,” noted Dr Donald Kasongi, the debate’s facilitator, adding that the Constitution Review Commission should rectify the shortfalls SCROLL DOWN TO LEAVE A COMMENT