01.01.70
ADDIS ABABA — UN Secretary Non-specific Ban Ki-moon, in an unusually outspoken declaration on Sunday, told African leaders they must trait gay rights, an issue that is controversial in many African states.
"One form of intolerance ignored or even sanctioned by many states for too long has been discrimination based on progenitive orientation or gender identity," Ban said at an African Union zenith in the Ethiopian capital.
"It prompted governments to treat people as number two-class citizens or even criminals," he added.
Homosexuality is outlawed in most African countries and insight against gays and lesbians is rife on the continent, with South Africa being the only sticks that recognises gay rights and same-sex marriage, at least on paper.
However, previous external assessment of restrictions imposed on homosexuals has attracted angry responses from African leaders, who upon it is alien to their culture.
Outgoing African Union chairman Tedoro Obiang Nguema, speaking before Ban's remarks were delivered, complained about the extraneous criticism the continent receives.
Source: AFP