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Religious Nationalism and The Legal Rejection of LGBT Rights in Zambia: Examining the Intersection of Religion, Law, And Social Exclusion

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  • Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu
Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu
US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights
Published in : International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention (IJSSHI) , Vol. 11 No. 10 (2024)

Submission to VIJ 2024-10-19

Abstract

In the 21st century, national identities are shaped by more than just belonging to a nation-state; factors such as ethnicity, culture,
gender, and religion also play a significant role. Individuals can align themselves with imagined communities, where national
identity exists only in the mind. However, when religion becomes a symbol of national identity, it often leads to the rejection of
beliefs that contradict religious values. This paper explores the influence of religious nationalism on the social rejection of LGBT
rights in Zambia. Through a review of various theories of nationalism and an analysis of the conflicts between state, ethnic, and
religious nationalisms, the paper highlights how strong religious identities can foster hostility toward LGBT communities. Zambia,
a Christian nation by constitutional declaration, exemplifies how religious nationalism enables the criminalization of homosexuality,
described as an unnatural offense punishable by imprisonment. The conclusion demonstrates that religious nationalism not only
conflicts with LGBT rights but also fuels social rejection, leading to stigma and legal consequences for LGBT individuals in Zambia.

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