Zuma's Anti-gay Comments Cause Outrage
Nji Che - All Headline News African Correspondent Johannesburg, South Africa (AHN) - Former South African deputy president Jacob Zuma on Wednesday said homosexuality was an "un-African" practice and criticized a move to legalize gay marriage in the country. Reuters quotes Zuma telling a gathering at KwaZulu-Nata on Sunday, "Same-sex marriage is a disgrace to the nation and to God." He added that, "When I was growing up unqingili (homosexuals) could not stand in front of me." Although homosexuality is being pushed in the country, many South Africans, especially conservative Christians and traditionalist Africans have strongly criticized the move. The Joint Working Group, which represents the country's biggest lesbian and gay movements, said in a statement released Tuesday, "It would seem Jacob Zuma still has a lot to learn about leadership. A true leader leads with intellect and wisdom -- not popularity or favor. How can a narrow-minded person like this be expected to lead our nation?" Zuma, who was fired last year after a court established a corrupt relationship with a former aide, has continued to receive strong support from ANC members as well as the party's left wing allies. He has maintained his position as deputy president of the party, and still has all the chances to contest for the presidency as his corruption allegations were dismissed in court earlier this month.
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