(May 01, 2013, (ADDIS ABABA))--The fear of gay people in East Africa is at an all-time high, with over 90 percent of Ethiopians and East Africans scared of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT). The question, as reports of the introduction of the death penalty for gay people begins to mount, is why this is the case.
Bikyanews.com reported over the past year a great deal on the battle for gay rights in Ethiopia and the murder-like reaction that talking about being gay brings about in the country. We have spoken to gay men, lesbians and numerous others who remain in hiding, anonymous to their families, and often their friends.
What was surprising to me, as a reporter, was the virulent and violent nature of the comments that arose from reporting on a few peoples’ efforts to live a normal, equal life in a country that supposedly prides itself on its peaceful nature. A number of comments and angry emails have been flowing in that call for the death of Ethiopia’s small lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
“kill them all these rubbish people ,the country never allowed this kind of community,” one comment at the end of the article stated. In yet another, a user linked anti-LGBT sentiment to the Bible in claiming that Ethiopia’s LGBT community should leave the country or face reprisals.
“No the same sex marriage in Ethiopia because that is the historical and Christianity country so that is the better thing …in the bible also not allow to be same sex marriage it is a big sin ..sorry for you guys who is the gay ppls …shame on you …also,” it read. Read more from Bikyanews.com »
Bikyanews.com reported over the past year a great deal on the battle for gay rights in Ethiopia and the murder-like reaction that talking about being gay brings about in the country. We have spoken to gay men, lesbians and numerous others who remain in hiding, anonymous to their families, and often their friends.
What was surprising to me, as a reporter, was the virulent and violent nature of the comments that arose from reporting on a few peoples’ efforts to live a normal, equal life in a country that supposedly prides itself on its peaceful nature. A number of comments and angry emails have been flowing in that call for the death of Ethiopia’s small lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
“kill them all these rubbish people ,the country never allowed this kind of community,” one comment at the end of the article stated. In yet another, a user linked anti-LGBT sentiment to the Bible in claiming that Ethiopia’s LGBT community should leave the country or face reprisals.
“No the same sex marriage in Ethiopia because that is the historical and Christianity country so that is the better thing …in the bible also not allow to be same sex marriage it is a big sin ..sorry for you guys who is the gay ppls …shame on you …also,” it read. Read more from Bikyanews.com »
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