Mugabe says no to gay rights in Zimbabwe

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe has vowed that the new constitution currently being drafted in Zimbabwe will have no provision for gay rights, state radio reported Sunday.

Mugabe, like most other African leaders, has made no secret of his scorn for homosexuality, comparing gay individuals to dogs and pigs.

“We say no to gays,” he was quoted as telling a church meeting. “We will not listen to those advocating the inclusion of their rights in the constitution.”

Zimbabwe’s coalition government is in the midst of a nationwide survey of the population to gauge their opinions on a new constitution, which is due to be drafted and subjected to a referendum next year.

If accepted, elections will follow, based on the new national law.

Zimbabwean law does not outlaw homosexuality as such, but sodomy is a crime.

Authorities have not vigorously enforced the law, although two employees of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, the national gay organisation, are facing trial on charges of possessing gay pornography.