Speaker, a World Economic Forum report states that -
... large-scale human rights abuses and extreme poverty have marred 20th century Africa. The tradition of African silence has become more a liability than an asset.
Mr President, you said at the forum that, "... the benefits of democracy must lead to economic development and ... improve the quality of life of ordinary people."
In Africa, detention without trial continues unabated and gay people are being persecuted and imprisoned on the basis of their sexual orientation. This crime against humanity prevents economic development, breaches international agreements, deters direct foreign investment and is a violation of our own Constitution. This is an African challenge to which you refer.
Mr President, why are you and your government completely silent on this despicable, homophobic assault on the human rights and dignity of our brothers and sisters across Africa? Thank you, Speaker. [Applause.]