South Africa bans anti-gay US pastor Steven Anderson from entering the country due to his ‘hate speech’ rhetoric

South Africa: South Africa has banned US anti gay pastor Steven Anderson, from entering the country. Anderson, who is the head pastor of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Arizona was due to speak at a local church in South Africa where he is also expected to engage in some evangelizing.

In a statement explaining the decision to ban Anderson, South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said;

"I have identified Steven Anderson and members and/or associates of his church as undesirable persons. I have withdrawn their visa exemption status, enjoyed by all Americans ... on the basis that I am certain they promote hate speech as well as advocate social violence."

Gigaba who also declared Anderson a ‘prohibited person’ said;

“We have a duty to prevent harm and hatred, in all forms, against LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex) as against any other person in a democratic state,”

Anderson has a history of anti gay, anti women and anti Semitic comments, owing from his insistence on a literal interpretation of the Christian bible.

According to reports, he has described gays as ‘sodomites’ and ‘paedophiles’ in the past and rejoiced when 50 gay people were killed at an Orlando nightclub in June, saying there were ’50 less paedophiles’ in the world.’

His ban from entering South Africa comes after an online petition was launched to stop him from entering the country, which gained over 60,000 signatures.

Gigaba said after consultating with leaders of the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, he decided Anderson is not welcome in South Africa.

In a Facebook message and YouTube, Anderson said that he's aware of the ban and is "sorry for people who live in South Africa." He added that he's moving on to his next destination: Botswana.

"Stand by for reports of multitudes saved in Botswana, where religious freedom still exists," he posted.