Mugabe refuses to abandon anti-gay stance for sake of aid

ZIMBABWEAN president Robert Mugabe has blasted British government plans to withdraw aid from developing countries that discriminate against homosexuals.
 
“It becomes satanic when you get a Prime Minister like Cameron saying countries that want British aid should accept homosexuality,” the outspoken dictator said in a speech yesterday. He went on to warn young people: “Do not get tempted into homosexuality. We will punish you severely”, the Daily Mail reports today.

Mugabe’s remarks came in response to David Cameron’s announcement last month that countries receiving UK aid must “adhere to proper human rights”. International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell had previously hinted at a new approach to aid: “Where we think governments do not have respect for human rights, it will have a big effect on the way we carry out funding”.
 
Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe, and same-sex couples can go to prison for holding hands. Mugabe has frequently attacked homosexuals, repeatedly saying they are “worse than insects”. In 1999, he alleged that “gay gangsters” were in control of the British government. ·