The President of Gambia has renewed his harsh anti-gay attacks. Yahya Jammeh has warned diplomats his country will not be "bribed" with foreign aid to accept LGBT rights, reports AFP.
"If you are to give us aid for men and men or for women and women to marry, leave it. We don't need your aid because as far as I am the president of the Gambia, you will never see that happen in this country," he said.
The opening of parliament on Saturday was attended by the ambassadors from Britain and the United States, who have both said they will consider gay rights when handing out aid, infuriating many African nations who consider homosexuality "un-African".
Jammeh's comments come less than two weeks after 19 men were arrested at a bar outside the capital of Banjul. The men were charged with indecent practices after being "suspected of homosexuality", reported AFP on April 10.
Same-sex relations are banned in west African nation. Violators face up to 14 years in prison.
Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.
Jammeh has ruled The Gambia after seizing power in a military coup in 1994. In recent years the West African dictator has attracted international attention for his anti-gay rhetoric and violent threats. In May and June 2008, the Gambian leader ordered all homosexuals to leave the country and promised to "cut off the head"of any gay man remained in the West African nation. Jammeh has also threatened to fire all gay and lesbian officers serving in the military.
Jammeh has also been condemned by the international comnmunity after telling his citizens that he can "cure" HIV.
Some Background ...
Gambian Pres. Threatens to "Cut Off the Head" of Gays
UN Rep Expelled After Doubting President's AIDS "Cure"
Gambian President Can Cure "HIV"
Gambian President Threatens to Fire All Gay Soldiers
UN Chief Urges African Leaders to Respect Gay Rights
Gambia President Renews Attacks on Gay Rights
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