Homophobic US pastor banned from entering SA

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba announced his decision a short while ago at Parliament, saying Anderson and his entire entourage of 17 people that he had planned to travel to South Africa with - are deemed undesirable people.

Anderson had planned to hold a "soul-winning marathon" in Johannesburg, during his visit. 

Gigaba says the move by government to recognise the rights of all South Africans - regardless of sexual orientation - was something to be proud of.

He added that those who are unable to preach anything consistent with the constitution, would not be able to make a positive contribution to SA society.

Earlier this month, an online petition driven by members of the LGBTI community and the SA Human Rights Commission - in the hopes of preventing Anderson from gaining entry into SA - accumulated more than 60 000 signatures.

Anderson, a pastor at the Faithful Word Baptist Church, made headlines last month when he posted a video following the Orlando nightclub shooting on June 12, where 49 gay people were gunned-down.

In response to the massacre Anderson said: "The good news is that there’s 50 less paedophiles in this world."

SEE ALSO: Phat Joe on East Coast Drive: Steven Anderson is 'The Worst Person in the World'

Gigaba says his department will notify all the airlines - to ensure the entry ban on Anderson and his entourage is met. 

He described Anderson as a "holocaust denialist", saying "the only person who can survive this man's wrath is a white male Baptist church member."

The Minster became the subject of Anderson's wrath last week, in a video the pastor posted - calling Gigaba a "sodomite" for supporting gay rights.

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