Zimbabwe's notoriously anti-gay despot Robert Mugabe has slammed British Prime Minister David Cameron's suggestion that aid should be decreased to countries that failed to respect gay rights. Cameron made the announcement at the recent 54-nation Commonwealth meeting in Australia.
Mugabe described Cameron's suggestion as "satanic" and threatened that gays would be "punished severely", reports AFP and The Telegraph.
Mugabe, 87, said the concept was "stupid" and that homosexuality was inconsistent with African and Christian values."It becomes worse and Satanic when you get a prime minister like Cameron saying countries that want British aid should accept homosexuality," he said. "To come with that diabolical suggestion to our people is a stupid offer."
Speaking to a group of young people at a community event in a mining town in Zimbabwe's Midlands region, he added that it was "impossible for John to marry Jack or Maria to marry Theresa".
"Do not get tempted into that (homosexuality). You are young people. We will punish you severely," he was quoted as saying in the state-run Herald newspaper. "It is condemned by nature. It is condemned by insects and that is why I have said they are worse than pigs and dogs."
Mugabe's comments come as Zimbabweans prepare to vote next year and possibly afford gays some legal protections. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai—Mugabe political rival—has called for greater tolerance and promised "not to prosecute anyone who is gay."
Same-sex acts are currently illegal in Zimbabwe, as they are in at least 32 of 54 African countries. Two activists with Zimbabwe's only LGBT group were arrested in a May 2010 raid—and later tortured—but were acquitted. Neighboring South Africa is the only nation on the continent that guarantees LGBT rights and marriage equality.
Meanwhile: The United Nations says at least one million people in Zimbabwe face starvation as a result of hyper-inflation created by Mugabe's economic policies. Priorities, priorities.
Some Background:
ZIM PM Tsvangirai Continues Calling for Gay Rights
ZIM: Tsvangirai Slammed Over Support for Gay Rights
ZIMBABWE: PM Tsvangirai Now Calls for Gay Rights
ZIM Service Chiefs "Demand" Mugabe's Resignation?
Mugabe Denounces "Filthy Gays" of Europe
UN Votes to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence
Zimbabwe: Gay Activist Trial Delayed
Zimbabwe: Gay Activist Acquitted
Mugabe Apologizes to Dogs for Gay Comparison
Zimbabwe Vows to Outlaw Homosexuality in Constitution
Mugabe is the perfect example of why homophobia is so dangerous.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 26 November 2011 at 18:56
Wasn't this the conscious of many Europeans in the 16th century of tribal Africans customs, beliefs and traditions? That they were morally inferior, degenerates, savage, and sub-human? Post-colonialism doesn't even begin to explain this mess.
Posted by: Kevin Perez | 26 November 2011 at 19:26
One of the greatest contributions to the world today would be if someone would assassinate Mugabe and be replaced by a more humane leader and not only for the welfare of gays in Zimbabwe but also for all the people of Zimbabwe. This insane despot has single-handedly destroyed a nation to the extent that some people are picking kernels of corn off the ground to avoid starvation. While Mugabe lives in a palace.
Homosexuality is condemned by insects? Not my insects. What a stupid and evil man.
Posted by: Jerry | 27 November 2011 at 08:56
Condemned by insects?!
That is the first time I've ever heard that rhetorical flourish. Unless "insects" is just the nickname of his political party...
Posted by: Jim | 28 November 2011 at 01:44