Burundi President Calls For Stoning of Gay Couples In New Anti-LGBTQ Attack
Photo : AP
Gitega and Bujumbura: Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has launched a new attack against the LGBTQ community. In a public rant, the president has called for public stoning of all same-sex couples in the East African nation.
Homosexuality was criminalised in Burundi in 2009, putting a ban on the formation of same-sex couples. If a gay couple is revealed, they are charged with two years of jail for consensual same-sex acts.
“Personally, I think if we see these kinds of individuals in Burundi we should put them in a stadium and stone them. And it would not be a sin for those who do,” stated the President.
Dismissing same-sex marriage as an “abominable practice,” the Burundi president also lashed out on the West for allowing gay rights. He also alleged that the the West puts pressure on nations to give rights to same-sex couples or risk losing their aid.
The president, who is a fervent Catholic, responded to a reporter’s question and stated that powerful nations “should keep their aid” if it comes with an obligation to give gay rights.
The African president drew “examples” from the Bible and also referred to homosexuality as choosing between Satan and God.
“If you want to choose Satan now go and live in those countries [in the West] and I think those who strive to go there want to acquire those habits, they should remain there and never bring them to us,” the president added.
In Africa, same-sex rights have been a long-standing issue with homosexuality banned in over 30 African nations. Many countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Ghana and more have or are in the process of implementing severe anti-LGBTQ laws.
