Petition launched to keep hate speech pastor out of SA
An online petition to stop American pastor Steven Anderson from coming to South Africa to “promote hate speech” is doing the rounds. The petition‚ which had already gained over 2000 signatures by Wednesday morning‚ is hoping to attract the attention of Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba in a bid to deny Anderson entry.“He is coming to Kempton Park to bring his unique brand of hate to South Africa‚ and this cannot be tolerated or allowed as LGBTI [lesbian‚ gay‚ bisexual‚ and transgender] rights are protected by the Constitution‚ and there is already enough homophobia - the flames of which do not need fanning‚” states the petition posted on change.org.Online gay radio station Gay SA radio‚ which is spearheading the petition‚ said Anderson - who established the Faithful Word Baptist in Arizona in 2005 - is a notorious preacher of hate speech‚ specifically against the LGBTI community.WATCH: US preacher wishes Orlando gunman 'finished the job'A California Baptist preacher has sparked uproar for praising as "great" the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 people dead and scores injured. “We are calling on the Department of Home Affairs to refuse entry to this man and his ‘church’ and stop him from travelling to South Africa‚” the station said.In a video posted a day after the shooting to death of 49 people at a gay club in Orlando in June‚ Anderson took to YouTube to praise the attack.“The good news is that there's 50 less paedophiles in this world‚ because‚ you know‚ these homosexuals are a bunch of disgusting perverts and paedophiles‚” Anderson said in the now-banned clip.The pastor is scheduled to come to Kempton Park on a “soul-winning” mission in September. – TMG Digital..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.