Anti-Gay American Pastor Banned from South Africa

Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, today highlighted the implications of controversial Pastor Steven Anderson’s proposed visit to South Africa this month… and announced that the American and members of his church are prohibited from entering the country. Anderson has also been declared a “prohibited person” in SA.

In a media briefing today, Gigaba said they had consulted with leaders of the LGBTI community, the South African Human Rights Commission, and others to make their decision.

Gigaba said the department had received over 60,000 petitions, presented by Gay Radio SA, pleading for the protection of rights of the LGBTI and to not allow Anderson to make his “soul-winning” trip to Kempton Park.

The Pastor is notoriously anti-gay – he posted a video the day after the Orlando club shootings, praising the attack on gay people, and has said he wants Caitlyn Jenner to die, amongst other outrageous statements.

Gigaba outlined the importance of upholding the Constitutional laws and defending the rights of all people, and highlighted the challenges South Africa still faces with discrimination and human rights’ abuses.

He cited several statistics from a Progressive Prudes survey, released last Friday:

• over the previous 12 months, around half a million (450,000) South Africans have physically harmed women who dressed and behaved like men in public, and 24,000 have beaten up men who dressed like women.
• approximately 700,000 South Africans verbally abused (shouted at or teased) gender non-conforming people.
• between 6.2 and 7.4% of South Africans (which is 3 million) felt that they might use violence against gender non-conforming people in the future.
• many South Africans do think the LGBTI must have rights’ protection like other people. They must be part of cultures and traditions of South Africa.
• Between 2012 and 2015, there was a tenfold increase in the number of South Africans who strongly agree with allowing same-sex marriages. ‘Moderately religious’ people tend to be the most tolerant.
• The survey also found support for keeping the current constitutional protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

“We still have problems, and we must be honest and understand that merely preventing Steven Anderson’s visit will not solve all the problems we face in this country, on the continent and the world regarding discrimination, homophobia and patriarchal notions of power,” said the Minister.

“Protection of constitutional rights is a pathway to a more humane and just society.”

Gigaba said: “We have a duty to prevent harm, and hatred, in all forms, against the LGBTI as against any other person in a democratic state.

“Developments since rumours of Anderson’s exploration to the South have painted a scenario of one individual and his like-minded associates bent on callously negating and violating equality, dignity and other rights of LGBTI persons; a scenario of one unwilling to respect our constitutional protections against hatred and discrimination.

“Coming to our decision, Mr Steven Anderson and members and/or associates of his church are prohibited from entering the Republic of South Africa. This prohibition will be implemented in terms of section 29(1)(d) of the Immigration Act. This section affords the department the legal means 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.”

“I have informed the DG that I have identified Steven Anderson and members and/or associates of his church as undesirable persons. Undesirable persons are barred from travelling to South Africa for periods determined by the department.

“Furthermore, I have withdrawn their visa exemption status, enjoyed by all Americans. This is on the basis that I am certain they promote hate speech as well as advocate social violence. Accordingly, Steven Anderson will be advised that he is a prohibited person in South Africa.”

He said “South Africa has its own mending to do; we do not need more hatred advocated to our people.”

He stressed the importance of continuing this conversation, of raising awareness on gender identity, and “must move from our hateful isolations and undertake to expand our moral imaginations”.

Pastor Anderson says he’s already in South Africa… thanks to the media showing his clips on the news!

https://youtu.be/rVnbWyAQapA