Zimbabwe’s President Robert shouts “We are not gays” during United Nations speech

According to IB Times United Kingdom, he suddenly shouted “we are not gays” while giving a speech about the western world’s views about human rights. Buzz Feed reports this statement earned Mugabe a few light applause and a few laughter from the diplomats.

Zimbabwe has one of the worst LGBT rights records on the African continent, with the country’s leader frequently demonising homosexuality.

Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe, and Mr Mugabe has made no secret of his distain for homosexuals. Individuals can be punished with imprisonment and fines.

His unyielding stance against the sexual minorities has not been without drama as prominent gay rights activist Peter Tatchel attempted a citizen’s arrest on Mugabe on allegations of human rights abuses.

“We call for the unconditional and immediate removal of these sanctions in the spirit of the transformative agenda we are all about to subscribe to”.

“We invite other countries with which we may have differences, and the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation powers are included, if they have differences of whatever nature, to eschew threats, pressures and punitive actions, in favour of reconciliation, friendship and dialogue”.

GALZ is a membership-based association promoting, representing and protecting the rights and interests of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people through advocacy, lobbying, empowerment, education, research and provision of safe spaces. He said the journey of those seeking shelter from instability and war has been caused by “destabilizing policies of external forces”.