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).  Read more via ANA

One of Swaziland’s Oldest Human Rights Groups Doesn’t Support The Country’s Upcoming Pride March

This Saturday, The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly The Kingdom of Swaziland) will see its first ever LGBTIQ march. The event will take place at the country's capital city Mbabane at Prince of Wales Stadium.

The march, whose main organizer is LGBTIQ rights activist Melusi Simelane, has received mixed reactions, which is expected. LGBTI rights aren't taken seriously in most parts of the world, let alone in a country as conservative as Swaziland. Read more via Okay Africa