spoke to opposition political party representatives to get their views on a number of social and political issues. We attempted to find out how these parties would influence policies and decision-making in society.
The topics covered include lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer plus (LGBTQ+) marriages, tax-free sanitary pads, the taxing of the informal sector, and legalising sex work.
A: No legal framework has been drafted, debated and enacted on this. And it is against our country’s laws. Besides, Namibia is said to be a majority Christian country, and the Bible is against such practices. UDF always upholds the laws it is signatory to.
A: Menstruation is a must for any woman. Thus, the UDF party will support supplying free sanitary pads to schoolgirls and unemployed women.
A: Our tax law allows for businesses and individuals that earn below certain amounts of income per annum to be exempted from paying tax. If the informal sector is in that threshold, then the UDF party will fully support that they not be taxed.
A: It has never been debated in parliament as a bill or law. Namibia is governed by laws, and the UDF party cannot support anything against the laws of this country.
A: The LGBTQ+ rights and marriages are a no, as this is against tradition and Christian teachings.
A: No, we are not pro-sex workers. It is the result of failure by society to provide for the poor in society.
A: Sanitary pads will be free to schoolgirls and the most vulnerable in our society.
A: That tax will inhibit growth in the sector. Wait until ventures graduate into the formal sector, and promote that graduation.
A: The CoD is for the protection of all human beings and their fundamental human rights, including gay men and lesbians. We support the legalisation of LGBTQ+ marriages.
A: No. Prostitution cannot be legalised as a profession in Namibia, and such rights can therefore not be protected.
A: The party has a duty to respect and to fight for the rights of oppressed minority groups in Namibia, with their support of cause. LGBTQ+ marriages is an issue that needs consultation to ensure that all understand and respect the rights of others.
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