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Africa’s anti-gay movement spreads to Ethiopia

By ELIAS MESERET
Associated Press

Photo: Black Press USA
Photo: Black Press USA

ADDIS ABBA, Ethiopia — Two groups in Ethiopia say they will hold an anti-gay demonstration in the capital.

Ethiopia appears set to become the latest African country to increase the public demonization of gays, following new legislation in Uganda and Nigeria this year that increased penalties for homosexual acts. Ethiopia’s parliament is also considering similar anti-gay legislation.

The two groups — the government-affiliated Addis Ababa Youth Forum and a religious association — said Thursday they have permission to hold a demonstration April 26.

Dereje Negash, the church group chairman, said Ethiopia is witnessing an increase in homosexual acts and attacks on children. He said the attacks have reached “an alarming rate.”

Ezana Solomon, a gay activist in Addis Ababa, said the groups are trying to invade personal freedoms under the guise of child protection.

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Associated Press

The Associated Press is an American multinational nonprofit news agency headquartered in New York City.

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