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Home Affairs to meet SAHRC over ‘antigay’ pastor’s visit

The Department of Home Affairs said it is still looking into how to deal with the petition to stop American “antigay” pastor Steven Anderson from entering the country.

News of the pastor’s visit to South Africa raised an uproar amongst the lesbian‚ gay‚ bisexual‚ trans‚ and/or intersex (LGBTI) community‚ saying the pastor should be prevented from hate speech in South Africa.

The department initially advised complainants to take the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)‚ stating it is unable to block Anderson because‚ as an American citizen‚ he does not need a visa to enter the country.

‘Homophobic’ pastor will be allowed into SA

But on Wednesday‚ SAHRC chairperson Lourence Mushwana sent an urgent letter to Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba requesting a detailed report from the department on Anderson’s visit.

’’In order to assess the complaints received as contemplated in articles 12(5) and 12(6) of the commission’s Complaints Handling Procedures‚ the commission has requested a detailed report from the department on its determinations and intended future response in this matter‚’’ the SAHRC said in a statement.

Gigaba’s spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete said the department is yet to meet with commission on ways to find a solution.

“The pastor is only set to come in September. We will meet with the commission and members of the LGBTI community as soon as we get time‚” Tshwete said.

Pastor Lungi Magwaza kicks lesbians out of church

Anderson‚ of the Faithful Word Baptist Church‚ is known for publicly preaching homophobic messages and reportedly lauded the attack at a gay club in Orlando in the US in June. – TMG Digital

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