Zimbabwe President goes viral after shouting at United Nations: 'we are not gays'

zainab quadri

September 30, 2015 11:42 AM

Robert Mugabe used the United Nations podium on Monday evening to attack homosexuality in front of the general assembly.

Deviating from his prepared remarks, the 91-year-old leader of Zimbabwe reportedly barked: "We are not gays!" drawing some laughter and applause.

His remarks came during a speech on human rights as he criticized western nations' "double standards" and attempts to "prescribe 'new rights' that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs."

The full quote follows:

"Respecting and upholding human rights is the obligation of all states, and is enshrined in the United Nations charter. Nowhere does the charter abrogate the right to some to sit in judgment over others, in carrying out this universal obligation. In that regard, we reject the politicisation of this important issue and the application of double standards to victimise those who dare think and act independently of the self-anointed prefects of our time."

"We equally reject attempts to prescribe 'new rights' that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions, and beliefs. We are not gays! Cooperation and respect for each other will advance the cause of human rights worldwide. Confrontation, vilification, and double-standards will not."

Under Mugabe's rule, same-sex couples and other LGBT peoples in his country have faced persecution and homophobic rhetoric. So it was likely no surprise to some when he voiced his "concern" about Western-based opposition to his anti-LGBT policies.

Watch the UN clip below:

zainab quadri