By Patson Chilemba
State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka says President Hakainde Hichilema will not change his position on homosexuality regardless whether he meets the United States Vice-President Kamala Harris or any other person.
And Hamasaka has challenged all the serious political contenders in the country to make their positions known on where they stand on homosexuality.
President Hichilema has been accused of supporting homosexuality on account of belonging to the Africa Liberal Network, something he has refused and insisted he does not support.
Speaking with Daily Revelation, Hamasaka said President Hichilema has been insisting that he is against homosexuality from the time he was an opposition leader.
Asked if the President will insist on the same position if Harris raises her gay support as human rights during their meeting in the same manner she apparently forced meekness out of Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo to temper down on anti-gay views during their recent meeting in Ghana, Hamasaka said: “Let’s wait for that thing. Let’s not jump the gun. Our position is well known. Whether the US President or the Vice-President or whatever, it’s well known. You really think because he’s seeing the other person he can change the position? No! No! The position is well known. It has been put in black and white.”
Hamasaka challenged the other serious opposition leaders to make their positions known on the issue.
“So yes, our challenge also is to let everyone make their positions known. It’s as simple as that,” said Hamasaka, but that he would not go into singling out any person on the matter to avoid personalising the issue. “Our position is well known. Let them also do their own commitment. If we personalise this issue is where we lose it … Let the other serious contenders in the political arena also make their position known.”
