His Majesty King Mswati III reaffirmed Eswatini’s position on same-sex relations, declaring that such practices will not be embraced or promoted in the country.
The king made these remarks during his meeting with pastors and church leaders at Ngabezweni Royal Residence yesterday.
In his address, the king referred to same-sex relations as “unnatural,” emphasising that God had condemned such practices through the biblical destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
He stated, ‘Yavele yabulawa lendzaba yase Sodom and Gomorrah, and it must end there.” This statement was met with clapping and cheers from the audience.
The biblical account in Genesis 19 describes how God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and sulphur due to their “exceedingly grave” sins, which included homosexuality. Only Lot and his family were spared, though Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back.
Same-sex relations were one of the key topics discussed earlier in the day by attendees, including pastors and other community leaders. Bishop Sipho Simelane from Sitsatsaweni was the one who submitted this topic for discussion.
While acknowledging that many countries around the world have accepted same-sex relations, His Majesty expressed discomfort with the concept, calling it umhlolo (an abomination).
He shared that he found it difficult to understand how “bearded men come together” in this manner and described it as disturbing to even witness.
His Majesty remarked that some countries have even conditioned foreign aid on the acceptance of same-sex relations.
However, he emphasised that many African nations, including Eswatini, are not comfortable with such practices and would not comply.
“We are not used to such relations, and it will never be acceptable to us,” he asserted.
The king further noted that the practice needs prayer from prophets, referencing ancient times when same-sex relations were considered an abomination.
He also questioned how this ‘abomination’ spread beyond Sodom and Gomorrah and is now seen around the world.
“Some men now look and act like women, and one sometimes fears even greeting them, as they may interpret it in another way,” he added.
Despite this, His Majesty made it clear that same-sex relations would not be promoted in Eswatini.
ALSO READ | Pupils expelled for same sex
This issue has recently gained attention in Eswatini following the expulsion of six female pupils from Dvokolwako High School for engaging in same-sex relationships.
The decision to expel them was supported by a majority of parents, who believed that such relationships were a “bad influence” on other students.
Additionally, four months ago, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo stated publicly that same-sex relationships have “no place” in schools and that pupils involved could face disciplinary actions, including expulsion.
However, human rights groups criticised this stance, arguing that expelling pupils based on their sexual orientation is discriminatory and harmful, particularly in light of the potential for bullying and mental health issues among LGBTQ+ pupils.
Another topic discussed during the service was family planning and the use of contraceptives, raised by Pastor Moses Ndzinisa.
The king responded thoughtfully to the issue, acknowledging the importance of child-rearing but emphasising the challenges of raising many children without sufficient resources.
His Majesty pointed out that while children are a blessing from God, a large family without the necessary resources could lead to difficulties, including hunger and neglect.
He stressed that every child deserves to be raised in an environment filled with love, guidance, and proper care.
“But the catch is that after reproducing many children, it becomes difficult to take care of them,” the king said.
He further elaborated on the potential consequences of growing up in impoverished conditions, noting that such situations can expose children to harmful influences.
However, His Majesty concluded by reaffirming that children are a blessing from God, and proper care should always be prioritised for their well-being.
