"It becomes worse and Satanic when you get a prime minister like Cameron saying countries that want British aid should accept homosexuality. To come with that diabolical suggestion to our people is a stupid offer."
Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, condemning Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who suggested that his country could cut aid to countries that do not respect gay rights. Britain's Africa minister, Henry Bellingham, noted that Cameron's statement had been misinterpreted:
"The UK will always be sensitive to local traditions. Mr Cameron did not say that we will be tying aid to gay rights, never. What he did say is that we do oversee where we have a big aid programme, it does give us the right to talk to governments not to persecute minorities be they religious, disabled or gay."
The 87-year-old Mugbe's hateful position on homosexuality is well-known. Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper quoted the president at a community event earlier this week, cautioning a group of young people:
"Do not get tempted into that (homosexuality). You are young people. We will punish you severely. It is condemned by nature. It is condemned by insects and that is why I have said they are worse than pigs and dogs."
Zimbabweans will vote on a new constitution next year that could offer legal protection to the country's gays. Currently, those caught in same-sex relationships face prison terms. (The Telegraph)
