Gay Today: World

Rome: Cruising Area
Closing Angers Activists

Zambian Gays Threaten Outings

By Rex Wockner
International News Report

Rome: Cruising Area
Closing Angers Activists

vatican.jpg - 25.86 K Activists with the Rome gay group Circolo Mario Mieli are upset that city public-works officials plan to close a popular gay cruising area nightly at 2 a.m.

The group says the gardens of the Campidoglio, known as Montecaprino, are "a symbol of our history as gay people. Closing off access to them represents efforts to deny us our rights to live as productive citizens and associate freely with each other.

"It seems clear that there are some political reasons behind this decision," Circolo Mario Mieli said. "We wonder if the city government of Rome is not bowing to pressure to transform the city in certain ways for the [Christianity] Jubilee of 2000."

City Councillor for Public Works Esterino Montino said the nightly shutdown is necessary to protect archaeological remains.

pope2.jpg - 11.82 K The Catholic Church may be behind the recent crackdown.
Circolo Mario Mieli urges faxed protests to Montino (011-39-06- 678-1303) and to Rome Mayor Francesco Rutelli (011-39-06-678- 4239).

Zambian Gays Threaten Outings

The new Zambian gay group LEGATRA (Lesbian, Gay and Transgender Association) said last week it will out closeted politicians if members are prevented from registering their association.

"If pushed too far, we'll do so," said spokesman Alfred Zulu.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Machungwa has said group leaders will be taken into custody if they appear at the office of Registrar of Societies Herbert Nyendwa, who has said he will refuse to look at LEGATRA's application forms.

"An association formed to further the interests of homosexuals can never be registered in Zambia," Zambian Vice President Christon Tembo explained September 22. "Those who will persist in championing the cause for homosexual activities in Zambia risk being arrested for the felonies of committing criminal acts or for conspiracy to commit criminal acts."

Gay sex is punishable by five years imprisonment.