During his address to the United Nations General Assembly in
New York, 91-year-old President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, deviated slightly
from his prepared remarks to do something that he does frequently - slur
against homosexuality. "We are not gays," he shouted.
He made the comment in the course of a point about
"double-standards," which is usually dictator code for "I'm
tired of Western countries calling out my human rights abuses," and about
"new rights," which is usually code for "I long for the days
when discrimination against certain groups was considered acceptable."
Below is a quote, with the line he added at the podium:
"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 politicization of this important issue and the application of double standards to victimize 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."
Mugabe barked the line, which drew audible laughter from the
attendees at the United Nations General Assembly.
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