MARRIAGE EQUALITY ACT ON TRACK PER FOMIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MASERU 000353 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: DECL: 7/26/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR LT SUBJECT: MARRIAGE EQUALITY ACT ON TRACK PER FOMIN REF: MASERU 347 CLASSIFIED BY: June Carter Perry, Ambassador, EXEC , STATE. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) Lesotho FOMIN in July 25 meeting with Ambassador confirmed that the Finance Minister had advised in the formal Cabinet meeting that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) opportunity memo had gone forward and had been approved. (See Reftel) Ambassador reminded the FOMIN that a final compact could not be completed without Lesotho's passage of the Marriage Equality Act to ensure womens' access to credit and the absolute removal of this statue from the books. The Minister said he was well aware of that and the Government of Lesotho was fully committed to acting on this bill when Parliament reconvenes in September. When asked if "traditional" members of Parliament would offer any opposition, Moleleki said, with what could only be described as a politicians hard glare, "they would not dare to do so." He went on to say that with major elements of the electorate being women, with over 50% successful women candidates in the 2005 elections and with the government's appointment of women in senior Cabinet positions, he had no doubt that this measure would be adopted without problems. ¶2. (C) Moleleki also stated that there had been a concerted effort on the part of Cabinet to provide support for the marriage equality bill and that the Prime Minister was committed to equal status for women across the board in Lesotho. We observed that with Lesotho's assumption of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chair, it would also send a very strong signal across the region, and the continent, that the country was a leader in this regard. The FOMIN added that not only would Parliament proceed with this particular legislation, but that it would also overturn a traditional bill restricting princesses from ascending to the throne. (Comment: The Royal Family has been pressing for this change for a number of years; King Letsie III has two daughters. His brother Prince Seeiso, currently serving as Lesotho's Ambassador to London, has been particularly active in supporting this measure and, as a traditional chief himself, has established an ongoing dialogue with other chiefs across the country. End Comment.) ¶3. (C) Based on the very strong response from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the GOL's determination to see this measure through to the end in early fall, as he also stated in his response to my remarks on July 4, we believe that there is a desire to complete this action before the proposed October visit of MCC/CEO Danilovich (anticipated around the third week of October). The GOL is eager to meet all obligations and complete all processes related to the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) before 2007 because of its own political and financial calendar. The 2007 national elections are expected to occur in the March/April time frame, therefore pushing the budget presentation to January and ensuring as well a shortened Parliamentary session early in the year as election activities become more intense. ¶4. (C) Comment: It seems that Lesotho has "gotten the message" that for it to advance its economy to establish transformational activities to reduce poverty and to have a credible standing in the eyes of the United States, it will have to take a great leap forward. The concept of realpolitik seems to have overcome any rifts within the various elements of the ruling party, which we believe will lead to a stronger democratic and economic status, one we would like to see develop in this southern African country. End Comment. PERRY