Editor, I WISH to react to Lonzen Rugira’s article, “Ending the silly season in the debate on homosexuals” (The New Times, March 10). It is a well-written and balanced article. In my opinion, it’s a waste of public resources for legislators to debate how and with whom citizens should have or be in relationship with. There should be laws governing the age of sexual consent but not how and with whom one should share their intimacy with. Our African culture was washed away the moment we allowed foreign religions (in the disguise of civilisation) into our backyards. That’s when we lost who we are and the core of our being, our cultural values and our own civilisation. We embraced globalisation with open arms without understanding the implications and viola the consequences. I am afraid we shall never be the same. But all is not lost. Our leaders should mobilise resources to ensure equal access to education, health and social infrastructure and equal access to economic opportunities, the rest will fall in place. Sezibera, Moundou, Chad ************************************* I BELIEVE that the whole issue of homosexual being genetic or by choice is a red herring. This is a matter of individual liberty taking precedence over legislative moralising. As for “recruitment” of young folks, then laws that are already in place – that if enforced – should protect anyone under the age of consent. What people do in their bedroom should remain no one’s business but their own. Russell Watkins, Australia ************************************* I AGREE with what Mr. Watkins says about consensual relationship. Despite that, I would like to mention that our concern, as Africans, is for Western countries to impose something on us, which is taboo to our culture. Secondly, cutting aid because Africans have refused to be homosexuals indicates that the donors do not give aid for the very reasons it is intended, but as a means of manipulation. Gerald, Rwanda
