Zuma Seeks Pardon For Anti-Gay Statements
Nji Che - All Headline News African Correspondent Johannesburg, South Africa (AHN) - South Africa's former Deputy President Jacob Zuma on Thursday apologized to the gay community a day after he said homosexuality was an "un-African" practice and criticized a move to legalize gay marriage in the country. The BBC quotes Zuma saying in his apology, "My remarks were made in the context of the traditional way of raising children... I said the communal upbringing of children in the past was able to assist parents to notice children with a different social orientation. I however did not intend to have this interpreted as a condemnation of gays and lesbians." But Zuma told a gathering at KwaZulu-Nata on Sunday that, "Same-sex marriage is a disgrace to the nation and to God." 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 A |
