By Abigail Jele

MBABANE: Brian Sangweni, the Spokesperson of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) has released a statement, condemning statements made by Eswatini Education Minister Owen Nxumalo, labelling Gays and Lesbianism an absolute nonsense while calling for the expulsion of children in schools who are gays and lesbians.

The statement made by the Minister when visiting schools this week, has been widely condemned by other human rights organizations in Eswatini due to its homophobic and exclusionary nature. In his remarks, Nxumalo said “No place for gays and lesbians in schools” further adding that homosexual relationships should not be tolerated in schools, warning learners of risking expulsion.

“While it is entirely appropriate and necessary for the Minister of Education to discourage romantic relationships among school-going children in order to safeguard their focus, wellbeing, and educational development, it is both irresponsible and unacceptable to do so by singling out and attacking same-sex relationships and the LGBTQ+ community. Such guidance could and should have been issued universally, without prejudice, stigma, or exclusion” said the PUDEMO Spokesperson.