'We still have mending to do, don't need hate'

American anti-gay crusader Steven Anderson and 17 of his supporters have been banned from entering South Africa by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.

Gigaba announced his decision yesterday during a press briefing at parliament.

Noting that South Africa was still struggling to afford members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community their full constitutionally guaranteed rights, Gigaba said it was clear that Anderson, who has in the past advocated violence against gays, could not make a positive contribution to the country.

He said: "[Anderson] is one unwilling to respect our constitutional protection against hatred and discrimination."

Gay SA FM, which started the petition that garnered signatures against Anderson's visit, welcomed the minister's decision, saying it was a leap forward.

"By denying this group of people who have nothing but hate towards the LGBTI community a foothold in our country, we are the shining example that the world will not come to an end when two people of the same sex love each other, marry each other or raise a family together," said Gay SA FM and LGBTI community representative Hendrik Baird.

"Today (yesterday), we celebrate the fact that we are as valued as every other sector of our society, as deserving of love and respect."

Reacting to the decision, Anderson said on his Faithful Word Baptist Church's Facebook page: "I feel sorry for people who live in South Africa, but thank God we still have a wide open door in Botswana."

Anderson and his supporters are prohibited in terms of section 29(d) of the Immigration Act. They have officially been declared undesirable persons. The relevant section empowers the minister to prohibit a foreigner who is "a member of or adherent to an association or organisation advocating the practice of racial hatred or social violence".

Gigaba noted that Anderson's disparagement extendend to Africans, Muslims and many other groups. Anderson and his supporters are banned until they denounce their current views, and the visa exemption usually afforded to American citizens has been withdrawn.

"South Africa has its own mending to do. We don't need more hatred advocated to our people," said Gigaba.

South Africans had mixed reactions to the decision.

Tarryn Candice Kay tweeted: "Don't be sorry for us South Africans!!! We will all be fine without you. BEST DAY EVER!!!".

Lawrence Minnie wrote: "You sir are a bigoted lunatic .... go and spew your hatred in the name of a religion elsewhere ..."

But Byron van Tonder said: "I would like to apologise on behalf of every God fearing individual in SA. It's not easy following Christ but the reward is eternally well worth it. keep up the good work!"

- Additional reporting TMG Digital