Clinton responds to Mugabe gay shout

via Clinton responds to Mugabe gay shout – NewZimbabwe 03/10/2015

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe used his recent address at the United Nations general assembly to again rail against gay rights.

In a widely reported rant, the homophobic Zimbabwean leader shouted “We are not gays”, receiving laughs from the audience.

“We equally reject attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions, and beliefs,” he declared.

US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, responded to Mugabe Saturday as she outlined her vision for advancing gay rights.

Clinton said it was important to protect LGBT rights overseas.

“I’m guessing that the LGBT activists in prison in Zimbabwe would disagree with him if ever given a chance to have a platform,” she added.

Mugabe’s remarks come at a time lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) adults and their families face increasing human rights violations, persecution, discrimination and stigma resulting in them being left behind in some crucial programmes.

A recent report by UNAIDS showed that LGBTI people face widespread discrimination and exclusion.

“We know from experience and evidence that violence and discrimination hold back the HIV response. The result:  people are left behind,” UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe.

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon has called on States to urgently end violence and discrimination against marginalized groups such as the LGTBI.

He said failure to uphold the human rights of LGBTI people and protect them against abuses such as violence and discriminatory laws and practices, constitute serious violations of international human rights law and have a far-reaching impact on society.