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Controversial U.S. pastor barred from entering S. Africa

Xinhua, September 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Controversial U.S. Pastor Steven Anderson, who has repeatedly called for gay people to be killed, has been rejected entry into South Africa, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said on Tuesday.

"Mr Steven Anderson and members and/or associates of his church are prohibited from entering the Republic of South Africa. This prohibition will be implemented in terms of section 29(1)(d) of the Immigration Act," Gigaba said at a press briefing in Cape Town.

This section affords the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) the legal means to prohibit a foreigner who is "a member of or adherent to an association or organization advocating the practice of racial hatred or social violence."

Anderson planned to visit South Africa in September. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual and Intersexed (LGBTI) community has launched a campaign to stop Anderson's visit.

Gigaba identified Anderson and members and/or associates of his church as "undesirable persons."

Undesirable persons are barred from travelling to South Africa for periods determined by the DHA.

"Furthermore, I have withdrawn their visa exemption status, enjoyed by all Americans. This is on the basis that I am certain they promote hate speech as well as advocate social violence," Gigaba said. Endit