Namibian President Sam Nujoma called on regional leaders to identify and arrest gays and lesbians in their communities. The Namibian, a national newspaper, reports that in an address delivered April 1, Nujoma elaborated on the call he made two weeks earlier for gays and lesbians to be arrested, imprisoned and deported. The Namibian Constitution prohibits discrimination, but does not specifically mention sexual orientation. Nujoma also reportedly said during his speech that Namibians should not sleep with foreigners. He has previously attributed homosexuality and a rising HIV infection rate to foreign influences.
Namibian leaders have a history of condemning gays and lesbians.
No arrests have been reported.