Morgan Tsvangirai,
the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, has made an unexpected u-turn on
gay rights - even saying they should be enshrined in a new
constitution.
The leader of the African country has previously echoed Robert
Mugabe's homophobic views, but revised his stance during an
interview with the BBC.
He claimed gay rights were now a "human right" that should
respected.
Zimbabwe is in the process of drafting a new constitution, which
will be put to a referendum
ahead of the elections.
Homosexual acts are currently illegal in Zimbabwe, as in most
African countries where many
people view homosexuality as un-Christian and un-African.
Mr Tsvangirai told BBC's Newsnight programme that there was a
"very strong cultural feeling" against homosexuality in Zimbabwe,
but he would defend gay rights if he became president.
"It's a very controversial subject in my part of the world. My
attitude is that I hope the constitution will come out with freedom
of sexual orientation, for as long as it does not interfere with
anybody.
"To me, it's a human right," he said.
The news has been welcomed by one DIVA reader who is from
Zimbabwe. Skye Chirape told us: "I was born in Zimbabwe and
only moved to the UK in 2001. I wasn't submissive like I was
supposed to be, and I knew I wasn't going to be able to survive in
such a society with a big mouth like mine - I needed to
leave.
"When I was growing up, I believed all humans were equal. I fight
for the underdog. I don't like people who are bullies. I want to
see people being treated equally regardless of their race or
sexuality or gender. I think the world is big enough for all of
us."
