News / National
Gays & Lesbians protest gay director's prosecution
24 Jan 2014 at 03:57hrs | Views
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe has appealed to prosecutor General Johannes Tomana to drop charges levelled against transgender Ricky Nathanson saying the prosecution was a waste of tax-payers' funds.
Chesterfield Samba, Galz director said Nathanson who was recently arrested on accusations of being gay, was being prosecuted for using a women's toilet.
Galz criticised the arrest of a prominent Bulawayo model coach for using a ladies toilet saying he was not to blame for the confusion.
"As concerned citizens we demand the speedy refurbishment of public toilets in Zimbabwe. The dignity of Ricky and other women and men in Zimbabwe must be restored and preserved," said Samba.
"We are surprised that the police have chosen to persecute Ricky for using a toilet," Galz said in a statement.
"It is common knowledge that on numerous occasions in this country men and women continue to share public toilets as most of these facilities are in a deplorable state in various cities across the country and in need of urgent attention.
"The state of these public toilets continues to be unacceptable yet the 'law' has turned a blind eye."
Galz said the handling of the case had violated Nathanson's rights.
The media and the police were accused of being insensitive and ignorant in the way they handled the case.
"Such is the ignorance of the police and media on matters of sexuality and gender that they refer to Ricky as 'gay' and insist on charging her for criminal nuisance," Galz said.
"There is clearly a need for further training of media practitioners and police officers on human rights as well as operationalising the new Zimbabwe Constitution which is clear on the fundamental human rights and freedoms of people, particularly the provisions of Chapter 4, Sections 50 (5)d,51 and 53 in this matter."
The group also called on the prosecutors to drop the case saying Nathanson's prosecution was a waste of taxpayers' money.
"As concerned citizens, we demand the speedy refurbishment and operation of public toilets across Zimbabwe," Galz said.
"The dignity of Ricky and other women and men in Zimbabwe must be restored and preserved."
Galz is an organisation representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Zimbabwe.
Chesterfield Samba, Galz director said Nathanson who was recently arrested on accusations of being gay, was being prosecuted for using a women's toilet.
Galz criticised the arrest of a prominent Bulawayo model coach for using a ladies toilet saying he was not to blame for the confusion.
"As concerned citizens we demand the speedy refurbishment of public toilets in Zimbabwe. The dignity of Ricky and other women and men in Zimbabwe must be restored and preserved," said Samba.
"We are surprised that the police have chosen to persecute Ricky for using a toilet," Galz said in a statement.
"It is common knowledge that on numerous occasions in this country men and women continue to share public toilets as most of these facilities are in a deplorable state in various cities across the country and in need of urgent attention.
"The state of these public toilets continues to be unacceptable yet the 'law' has turned a blind eye."
The media and the police were accused of being insensitive and ignorant in the way they handled the case.
"Such is the ignorance of the police and media on matters of sexuality and gender that they refer to Ricky as 'gay' and insist on charging her for criminal nuisance," Galz said.
"There is clearly a need for further training of media practitioners and police officers on human rights as well as operationalising the new Zimbabwe Constitution which is clear on the fundamental human rights and freedoms of people, particularly the provisions of Chapter 4, Sections 50 (5)d,51 and 53 in this matter."
The group also called on the prosecutors to drop the case saying Nathanson's prosecution was a waste of taxpayers' money.
"As concerned citizens, we demand the speedy refurbishment and operation of public toilets across Zimbabwe," Galz said.
"The dignity of Ricky and other women and men in Zimbabwe must be restored and preserved."
Galz is an organisation representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Zimbabwe.
Source - dailynews
