Cape Town - A local pastor has revealed that a gay-bashing American preacher is heading to Cape Town next week.
But details of the evangelist’s visit are top secret, for security reasons.
A petition with 60 000 signatures demanding that “kill the gays” Pastor Steven Anderson of the United States be barred from South Africa was not enough to keep him out of the country.
While Cape Flats reverend Oscar Bougardt applauded the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to allow Anderson entry into the country, gay rights organisations called it “nothing short of cowardly and dangerous”.
Bougardt confirmed the controversial pastor would be coming to Cape Town after a scheduled visit to Boksburg on September 17.
Following a meeting with the LGBTI (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community and the SA Human Rights Commission, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba on Monday said Anderson would be allowed in but there were “serious conditions” attached to his visit.
He said authorities would deport or charge Anderson if he stepped out of line.
Anderson made headlines after he reportedly told a congregation that there are now “50 less paedophiles in this world”, following the June 12 massacre at a gay club in Orlando, Florida.
Pastor Bougardt, of Strandfontein, said he contacted Anderson in July after local restaurants and a hotel cancelled his reservations.
Anderson and his flock from the Faithful Word Baptist Church are expected to arrive in Joburg on September 17.
Bougardt says Anderson confirmed he would be visiting Boksburg for a “door-to-door crusade” before coming to the Mother City.
However, all the venues are being kept under wraps as a matter of security.
“So 60 000 signatures has not stopped him from coming to spread the gospel,” Bougard said.
Michael Clayton of the Triangle Project slammed Home Affairs’ decision.
“In light of the near certainty that this (gay bashing) will happen when Anderson is in the country, allowing him to enter in an act of legal over-cautiousness is nothing short of cowardly and dangerous.”
Daily Voice