Botswana move to bar anti-gay pastor

GABORONE: Representatives of the gay, lesbian and transgender community in Botswana will meet Labour and Home Affairs Minister Edwin Batshu to ask him to ban controversial homophobic US Pastor Steven Anderson from entering the country.

Anderson, who plans to visit Botswana on September 25, was banned this week from entering South Africa on account of his anti-gay stance.

He was expected to launch the first African-based ministries of his controversial Faithful Word Baptist Church while visiting the two countries.

However, Lesbian, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (Legabibo) has called on the government to deny entry to Anderson and his crew on grounds that he “is bringing tainted messages” to the country.

The group’s representative, Bradley Fortuin, said they would meet Batshu to deliver a petition against hosting the controversial clergyman.

“The petition will be delivered, but I hope our country will take a leaf from our neighbour and do the honourable thing by not allowing him (Anderson) entry into this country,” Fortuin said.

The community felt that if allowed entry and given an opportunity to preach as he plans to do, Anderson would spread his trademark messages of hatred, homophobia, violence and sexism.

Shortly after being denied entry into SA, Anderson issued a statement saying he felt sorry for South Africans but thanked God for Botswana:

“I feel sorry for the people who live in South Africa, but I thank God we still have a wide-open door in Botswana.

“Stand by for reports of multitudes saved in Botswana, where religious freedom still exists,” Anderson said. – ANA