Gay Marriage: Where Desmond Tutu Got It Wrong

By Israel A. Ebije
Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu became an internally recognized activist in the 1980's for his strong opposing views against the oppressive era of apartheid in South Africa. Born in Klerksdorp [1], Transvaal [2], South Africa, he was the first black Archbishop of Cape Town.

The 84 years old activist has stood against so many injustices, has helped raise awareness for HIV/AIDS campaign, tuberculosis, poverty, racism xenophobia and many more endemic health and social practices. He is indeed a globally recognized role model in the class of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

*Desmond Tutu

Against the backdrop of his lofty background therefore, it came to many of his admirers as rude shock when the highly respected Anglican Archbishop attended his daughter Mpho Tutu and Marceline van Furth same-sex wedding in the Netherlands. His presence at that wedding indeed endorsed gay orientation, which measurably smears his chains of achievements as an archbishop and activist. Some say he is within his rights to be at the wedding and at the same time endorse the ceremony, others like me totally condemn his implied endorsement.

While I feel laden with burden venting my spleen against his decision to attend the same-sex wedding, it is necessary to confront wrong decisions no matter a person's social, religious profile. No matter the quantum of advocacy for same-sex relationships, it is still frowned at by a good number of humanity who believe it's largely against moral instructions of virtually every religious practice.

I may sound obnoxious, obsolete to persons inclined to same-sex relationships who think it's an attribute of modernity, but regardless of their descent on this matter, it is instructive to harp against the dastardly persuasion which is now encouraging other sexual vices. It is even more sickening for Tutu to raise the stakes considering the strides he has been able to accomplish as a religious and as an opinion leader who advocates on human interest issues that transcends beyond Africa.

The presence of Archbishop Tutu at that wedding may have helped in no small way to either confirm the decision of some youths or to direct them towards taking same sex preference stance. It is therefore instructive to intimate that as a role model, he has taken a position, which indeed will go a long way in fashioning the outlook of so many people on their views towards a pattern of sexual persuasion with all attendant health, psychological and social issues.