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Gambian Pres. Wants to Fire Gay Soldiers


Yahya Jammeh X390 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM

Addressing newly promoted army chiefs, Gambia's president said that he would fire all gay and lesbian officers serving in the military, according to reports on Monday.

President Yahya Jammeh said that lesbianism was "taboo" in the military and that soldiers must refrain from homosexual activity, which he called "evil" and "ungodly," according to the Freedom Newspaper, a Gambia-focused news site. He also called being gay in the military a "no, no, no."

Jammeh also once threatened to behead gays in his country and has said that his government has no tolerance for gays.

One top Gambian official told the Freedom Newspaper that the president has "gone nuts."

“It is unfortunate that he is making such an irresponsible statement," he said. "This guy has gone nuts. He does not remember some of the things he said. I am sure his statement on gays will offend the gay community.  He wants to comment on issues he doesn’t have any clue about. This is the type of president we have in the Gambia. He even threatened to fire female soldiers suspected of skin bleaching.”

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Dave
    Date posted: 12/8/2009 4:37:16 PM
    Hometown: Austin

    Comment:

    Sadly from a geopolitical standpoint if the West halts financial support China will see it as an opportunity to step in and the Chinese government is perfectly willing to ignore the rights of minorities in order to achieve political expediency. Without a more affirmative approach from china on minority rights we can expect Western governments to continue supporting many questionable regimes around the globe.

  • Name: Wil
    Date posted: 12/8/2009 1:18:23 PM
    Hometown: Toronto

    Comment:

    Perhaps it's time for Europe, the US, Canada & others to step up to the plate and say there is no place for intolerance on this planet. Let's end all dealings with these goons - cut all trade, all aid. See how long they last.

  • Name: J. Bocca
    Date posted: 12/8/2009 1:12:32 PM
    Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

    Comment:

    Well America, can't really stick up for human rights on this issue considering that they have about the same fucking policy! UGH. this world sucks. end rant.

  • Name: FakeName
    Date posted: 12/8/2009 12:59:15 PM
    Hometown: Anytown

    Comment:

    She has her nerve speaking against gay people wearing that dress and hauling around a hand-carved pleasure wand. Methinks those beads are about to drop.



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