Zimbabwe PM Endorses Gay Rights

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of Zimbabwe

Surprising news out of Africa about homosexuality. The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Morgan Tsvangirai has reversed himself and taken a position in opposition to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe on whether LGBT rights should be protected under law.

The BBC reports:

Mr Tsvangirai told BBC's Newsnight programme that there was a "very strong cultural feeling" against homosexuality in Zimbabwe, but he would defend gay rights if he became president.

"It's a very controversial subject in my part of the world. My attitude is that I hope the constitution will come out with freedom of sexual orientation, for as long as it does not interfere with anybody," he told Newsnight's Gavin Esler.

"To me, it's a human right," he said.

Zimbabwe's long-time leader Mr Mugabe - a practising Christian - once said gays were "worse than pigs and dogs", sparking international condemnation.

In March 2010, Mr Tsvangirai said gay rights was not up for discussion in Zimbabwe.

This is excellent news.