Macky Sall to Obama:'' We do not expect decriminalize homosexuality "

Dakar, June 27 (APS), Macky Sall and his counterpart from the United States Barack Obama have both said Thursday in Dakar that gay rights should be respected, the Senegalese president, however, that under his country was not ready to decriminalize homosexuality.
Homosexuality is "fundamentally a social issue on which there can be a fixed and applicable model for all nations and all countries. Course, we have different cultures, different religions and traditions" Sall said at a joint press conference with Obama.

The President of the United States performs a two-day visit to Senegal since Wednesday.

"Font of the general principles that all nations can share, respect for the individual and non-discrimination. Senegal, in his case, is a tolerant country that does not discriminate in terms of treatment inalienable rights, "said Macky Sall, speaking about as a result of its host.

"We do not say to someone that will not be hired because he is a homosexual. [...] But we are not ready to decriminalize homosexuality. I already said Council of Ministers and is the option of Senegal, "said the Senegalese president, noting that his country" [compliance] gay rights. "

"We are not yet willing to waive this provision of the law" considering homosexuality as a crime in Senegal, he said.

This "does not mean that we are homophobic. Should the company [to seize of] this issue and take the time to treat it without pressure," said Sall.

"Be reassured. Senegal is really a free country where homosexuals are not persecuted. But for now, they must also respect the choices of others" not to be gay, insisted the head of State Senegalese.

"These are issues that need to leave the company. She will adjust according to changing attitudes and what people regard as acceptable or not acceptable," he argued.

Comes first on this subject, Barack Obama said that "homosexuality and lesbianism are controversial issues in many parts of Africa."

"Each country has its own customs, traditions and religious beliefs" it can be argued regarding homosexuality, he added.

"Everyone should be treated equally" regardless of "sex, sexual orientation, race ..." However, said Mr. Obama.

"All the religions of the world are based on this principle: equality between people," he added.
ESF / BK