ADDIS ABABA: With an anti-gay organization announcing it is looking to follow Uganda and implement a "death to gays" legislation that would see the death penalty enacted against lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country, activists in the country are hoping they can bring about acceptance before such measures are taken. "We understand that the idea of being gay scares people in this country and the majority believe gay people are not deserving of equality," activist and gay Ethiopian David Emete told Bikyanews.com. He believes that while there is much intolerance, he feels the nature of Ethiopians should not be denied. "It has been a country of tolerance and understanding for many, many years, so this idea of a death penalty I don't think will happen," he added. For Emete, who has been featured by Bikyanews.com for his efforts to change perceptions, protesting is off the table. It just won't work, he said, adding that "it could lead to major crackdowns of the gay and lesbian community." An anti-gay organization that held a recent workshop on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in Ethiopia is reporting that the death penalty against gay people in Ethiopia may be on the horizon. The workshop reportedly looked with the social ‘evils' and ‘disastrous' effects of homosexuality in Ethiopia, and was led by United for Life Ethiopia, a Western Evangelical Christian organization with local representation. Government officials, religious leaders, leading heath professionals, charities and members of the public attended the event at the Bethel Teaching Hospital in Addis Ababa, last week. In the workshop police alleged ‘homosexual family members and neighbors' have sexually abused 117 boys last year. It comes on the heels of much antagonism toward the LGBT community in Ethiopia. An article recently published by Bikyanews.com has received virulent anti-gay sentiments from users inside the country. A number of comments and angry emails have been flowing in that call for the death of Ethiopia's small lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. But the community as a whole seemed bent on attacking LGBT people. “Our community dont tolerate such disgusting practice, if you want to be a gay then please leave our country and practice where ever fits your bulshit place," wrote another comment. BN
