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