Deconstructing Heteronormativity: The Decriminalization of Sodomy Laws in Zimbabwe as a step towards Human Rights and Social Justice.

Abstract

Zimbabwe’s sodomy laws, inherited from colonial era legislation, proscribes same-sex relationships and perpetuates discrimination, stigma, and violence against Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals. This study examines the need for decriminalization, exploring the social, political, and economic implications. The script argues that, repealing the sodomy laws can uphold human rights and dignity for LGBTQ+ individuals, reduce HIV/AIDS transmission and improve health care outcomes, foster a more inclusive and diverse society, enhance Zimbabwe’s global reputation and attract foreign investment as well as promoting social justice and challenge discriminatory attitudes. The paper analyzed the complex web of legal, political, and social factors influencing LGBTQ+ rights in Zimbabwe, accentuating the discrepancy between constitutional guarantees of equivalence and the prejudiced sodomy law. The research further validated that, legalization of these laws is crucial for advancing human rights, social justice, and economic development in Zimbabwe. By rescinding the law, Zimbabwe can improve its reputation and become a more attractive destination for foreign investment, tourism, and high-skilled individuals. The study employed a qualitative approach and the data is based on intuition or reasoning. The subject matter was also canvased through a descriptive analytical discussion entirely done on desktop setting. Considering that there are few legal works in relation to the offence of sodomy and reported cases, secondary data from books, book chapters, journal articles, newspapers and human rights texts were used to shape the analysis of data.