Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh, speaking Thursday night at the opening of the country’s Parliament in Banjul, used the occasion to send out another warning to gays, saying they are not allowed in Gambia, and if caught, “will regret” being born.
Jammeh said homosexuality is “satanic,” “anti-god, anti-human, and anti-civilization,” reported Freedom Newspaper in Gambia.
“Homosexuality is anti-humanity. I have never seen homosexual chicken, or turkey..0 If you are convicted of homosexuality in this country, there will be no mercy for offenders. We will put you in the female wing of the prison,” Jammeh said.
“We want the population to grow. There will be children in this country. Homosexuality is anti-god, anti-human, and anti-civilization. Homosexuals are not welcome in the Gambia. If we catch you, you will regret why you are born.
“I have buffalos from South Africa and Brazil and they never date each other. We are ready to eat grass but we will not compromise on this. Allowing homosexuality means allowing satanic rights. We will not allow gays here.”
Jammeh said he has no regrets for his anti-gay policy.
In 2008, Jammeh promised to enact laws against homosexuality that would be “stricter than those in Iran,” and that he would “cut off the head” of any gay or lesbian person discovered in the country. He issued an “ultimatum” ordering gays or lesbians to leave the country within 24 hours.
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Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country where same-sex acts are a felony crime punishable by a 14-year prison term.
