Analysis

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In Zambia, Japhet Chataba and Steven Samba have been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crime of being gay. Zambia laws resemble those of the British colonial era. Homosexuality is covered by Sodomy laws that condemns bestiality. In Zambia homosexuality is viewed as a from of insanity and considered immoral. Section 155 (“Unnatural Offences”) of Zambia’s penal code describes homosexual sex as being “against the order of nature” and classifies it as a felony punishable by imprisonment for 14 years.

American Diplomat and US ambassador Daniel Foote spoke out against the Zambian Government stating that he was “horrified” and encouraged the goverment to review the case and its laws regarding homosexuality. Foote has face extreme backlash in response from the Zambian people. He has since cancelled scheduled appearances at World Aids Day events “because of threats made against me”. 

Zambian President Edgar Lungu is saying his government will file a complaint about Foote to the Trump Administration. Additionally, Zambian Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji has stated that  Foote’s comments were “tantamount to questioning the Zambian constitution”. Foote has denied all accusations that his comments have interfered in Zambia’s judiciary and constitutional affairs.

The Zambian People are largely conservative, and it is unlikely that their laws regarding homosexuality will change since the majority of the population support the current laws, regardless of what the rest of the world thinks. According to A 2010 survey by Newstime Africa, only 2% of Zambians find homosexuality to be morally acceptable. With a statistic this low it is unlikely that Zambian people will speak out against these laws. 

Daniel Foote will likely continue to face disdain from the people of Zambia, but it is likely that the Trump Administration will not remove him as his comments have not interfered with Zambia’s judiciary system or constitutional affairs. Foote’s reputation within Zambia may face some damage, however in the eyes of the world Foote’s effort can be seen as valiant. 

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