Date: Sat, 29 Jul 95 11:39 PDT From: Andy Quan PRESS RELEASE #1: ZIMBABWE GAY AND LESBIAN GROUP EXPELLED FROM BOOK FAIR ON "HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE": GORDIMER AND SOYINKA JOIN IN INTERNATIONAL PROTEST For immediate release: July 28, 1995 GALZ (Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe) was today expelled from participation in the Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF) whose theme this year is "Human Rights and Justice." Internationally renowned authors Nadine Gordimer and Wole Soyinka have joined in protesting this action. Following opposition from the government, the organizers of the book fair withdrew the right of GALZ to participate. The government Director of Information, Bornwell Chakaodza, says that the Government is "shocked and dismayed" by ZIBF's initial acceptance of GALZ's participation. They strongly object to their presence at the book fair which has "the effect of giving acceptance and legitimacy to GALZ." The ZIBF should not "force the values of gays and lesbians onto the Zimbabwean culture." In their statement, the ZIBF says that their decision "in no way compromises its committment to freedom of expression, the development of an informed, educated reading public and the widest possible dissemination of reading materials." Representatives of GALZ, a member of ILGA and one of the most active of African gay and lesbian groups, stated: "The ZIBF has shown itself to be not fully committed to the issue of human rights for all. They have expelled a group of marginalised citizens who are discriminated against in many ways, and especially by being denied a voice at an important forum." ILGA coordinator, Andy Quan, said today: "It is ironic that the government of Zimbabwe and the organizers of the ZIBF cannot see that their discrimination against GALZ is a denial of human rights and a denial of justice. ILGA calls on its members and all those in the international community concerned about human rights to protest this injustice." Direct your protest directly to: Trish Mbanga, Zimbabwe International Book Fair Fax: 263 4 751 202 E-mail: ZIBF@mango.apc.org Tel: 263 4 750282 or 885107 Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications PO Box CY 1276 Causeway Zimbabwe Tel: 263 4 703894 / 703895 Telegrams: ZIMINFO For more information, call representatives of GALZ: Brenda Burrel or Bev Clark at 263 4 729 303 or 263 4 495 484, or Evan Tsouroulis at 263 4 333 736 or 263 4 706 079. Faxes can be received at 263 4 729 303 or 263 4 706 079.