Pro-gay threats irk BAKWATA

THE National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) has commended the Union and Zanzibar governments for opposing homosexuality and same sex marriages.

Speaking after Idd-El Hajj prayers at Masjid Al Faroug mosque in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam on Sunday, the Dar es Salaam Regional Sheikh, Alhaj Mussa Salumu, said the council fully supports the governments' position.

Sheikh Salumu's statement follows recent remarks by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, threatening to withhold aid to countries with anti-gay legislation.

Sheikh Salumu said: "We are ready to go hungry because of poverty, rather than receiving aid with embarrassing strings and dehumanising."

He said homosexuality is against the teachings of the Holy Koran.

The British High Commissioner, Diane Corner, however, said over the weekend that Tanzania would not be affected by his country's position on homosexualty.

"It appears this matter has been blown out of proportion. Development aid depends on various issues," she said.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein has strongly condemned increased use and trade of narcotic drugs in the Isles, saying the trend has reached alarming proportions.

In a special Idd el-Hajj message from the House of Representatives Hall in Wete, North Pemba, Dr Shein noted that cases of child abuse, use and drug trafficking in the Isles were on the rise.

Idd el-Hajj is an important holiday in the Islamic calendar, celebrated with prayer and offerings.

Dr Shein congratulated Zanzibaris who went to Mecca and Medina for pilgrimage. He said he was praying to Allah to guide them safely home and join their families.

He also urged the people in Zanzibar to spare no effort in safeguarding peace and political tolerance and use the opportunity in addressing developmental challenges such as the rising cost of living.

"I ask members of the business community to be honest in their business," President Shein said as he congratulated farmers for avoiding smuggling of cloves. He said over 2,136 tonnes of cloves worth more than 31bn/- had been bought from farmers by last Friday.