Anti-Gay Group in Liberia Issues Gay Hit List

I've noted before the toxic homophobia that has overtaken parts of Africa thanks to the export of hate and bigotry and the ex-gay myth by American Christianists. The latest African nation to embrace this perversion of Christianity is Liberia (why is it that it always seems that the countries that are the worse basket cases politically and economically that jump on the anti-gay band wagon?). A political effort is afoot increase the harshness of anti-gay legislation and now a group has issued a hit list of gays who are to be targeted for "flogging and death." LGBT activists such as Archie Ponpon (pictured at right) are taking the threats seriously especially after Ponpon's mother's home was burned down by an arsonist. Once more religion proves itself to one of the greatest evils in the world. Here are highlights from the Washington Post:

An anti-gay group in Liberia distributed fliers over the weekend with a hit list of people who support gay rights, and one member of the group threatened to “get to them one by one.” The fliers mark the latest development in an increasingly hostile national debate about gay rights in this country on Africa’s western coast.

The fliers distributed over the weekend in parts of Liberia’s capital were signed by the Movement Against Gay’s in Liberia, or MOGAL. The group said those involved in promoting gay rights “should not be given space to get a gulp of air.”

“Having conducted a comprehensive investigation, we are convinced that the below listed individuals are gays or supporters of the club who don’t mean well for our country,” the fliers read. “Therefore, we have agreed to go after them using all means in life.”

No individual members of MOGAL signed the flier. But Moses Tapleh, a 28-year-old resident of the main community where the flier was distributed, said he was affiliated with the group and stressed that its threats should be taken seriously.

“We will get to them one by one,” Tapleh said. “They want to spoil our country.” Asked what specific action might be taken against those on the list, he said they could be subjected to “dangerous punishments” including “flogging and death.”

The list includes two men who launched a campaign in January to legalize gay marriage, and who have since been subjected to protests by angry mobs and threats of violence.

One of the two new bills would make same-sex sexual practice a second-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. The other anti-gay bill would make same-sex marriage a first-degree felony, with sentences ranging up to 10 years in prison. Both bills are being reviewed in committee.

Homophobia is rife in many African countries. Last year, Nigeria’s Senate voted in favor of a bill that would criminalize gay marriage, gay advocacy groups and same-sex public displays of affection. A newly added portion of the bill levels 10 years in prison for those found guilty of organizing, operating or supporting gay clubs, organizations and meetings.

The flier distributed in Liberia warned that the group would begin taking action shortly. “Let these individuals be aware that we are coming after them soon,” the flier reads. “We urge them to also begin saying their Lord’s prayers.”

Once again, I find myself wondering whether the world would be a better place if Christianity - especially the fundamentalist variety - became a dead religion.