Swazi human rights group snubs LGBT festival

One of the best known human rights groups in Swaziland, which has changed its name to eSwatini, has snubbed the kingdom’s first LGBT Pride festival saying it is against biblical teaching, putting it at odds with a major funder, Swazimedia.blogspot reported.

The Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) issued a statement, published in the Swazi Observer on Tuesday, saying it would not support the pride parade because the event “is completely against our creator Lord Jesus’ plans for His people in being together as man and woman”.

The non-governmental organisation’s work revolves largely around fighting gender-based violence with its stated values including non-discrimination and respect for all human rights and gender equality.

SWAGAA’s anti-homosexuality stance puts it at odds with one of its major funders, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR states that it “stands firmly and unequivocally with and for key populations. These groups include gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, transgender persons, and prisoners".

The American organisation’s programmes also support the creation of non-stigmatising environments that protect human rights and it has funded a number of projects in Swaziland.

The kingdom’s first ever pride parade will take place on Saturday and is billed as a day of free expression to celebrate diversity.