PRIME Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has accused some western donors of using LGBTIQA+ as a weapon and condition for accessing their funding and in-kind assistance in a speech marking the nation’s 45th Independence Anniversary.
LGBTIQA+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning asexual.
Prime Minister Sogavare’s speech last Friday was given on the eve of his departure on an official visit to China, his second since Solomon Islands and China established diplomatic relations in September 2019.
He claimed LGBTIQA+ activities “will destroy the Christian faith and cultural values.”
“Fellow Solomon Islanders, … I’m increasingly uneasy about the LGBTIQA+ issue that has gained prominence. I will explain why I’m concerned. What happens there is not a concern to us of course, he said.
“My concern is how LGBTIQA+ has served their policy and how that would affect us. That is why I’m concerned. I do not want the issue of LGBTIQA+ to be weaponised against us and used as a condition to accessing aid,” a clear reference to stand by western countries on the issue.
“I’m watching and following the debate there very closely and as conscious as possible of how the contents of the television and movies that capture this are infiltrating our society.
“That is why the government is establishing the SIBC TV that we own and do programmes that advise on our values
“We have values and we will not allow others to impose their values on us,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
He said Solomon Islands has the Christian faith, values, diversity, culture, heritage and tradition which define Solomon Islands as a nation.
“Our values and faith define us as a country of islands separated by sea but connected by history, intermarriages, blood ties, the Church and Government, and also our faith and our Creator – (these) are what hold us together culturally and spiritually,” the Prime Minister said.
By Alfred Sasako
