The State Prepares Punishment for the Defenders of Homosexuals

The Tanzanian government threatens to arrest and deport those campaigning for gay rights, including organizations that protect the interests of homosexual groups.

"I want to remind all organizations and institutions that campaign to protect homosexual interests, we will arrest anyone involved and bring him to justice."

Thus said the Minister of Home Affairs Mwigulu Kata Nchemba, Monday (06/26/2017), as quoted by AFP news agency.

Nchemba also said foreigners involved in such a campaign would be deported in a short time.

"They do not even have time to unplug their phones from the socket," Nchemba said.

"Those who are interested in homosexuality should go and live in countries that are open to such affairs," he stressed.

"If there are organizations in this country that support and campaign for homosexuality, we will act," Nchemba said.

Nchemba's comments come a few days after President John Magufuli criticized NGOs who campaigned for gay rights.

The president said they should be prosecuted, although this would mean the country would lose foreign aid.

"Those who teach such things do not like us."

"They bring us drugs and homosexual practices that even cows do not fit."

That is the affirmation that Magufuli expressed in a speech last Thursday.

Male homosexual relations in Tanzania are threatened with a jail term of 30 years.

But there is no prohibition for lesbian relationships, or fellow women.