American Pastor Banned from South Africa for Gay Comments

An Arizona pastor is banned from entering South Africa for alleged hate speech against homosexuals.

Rev. Steve Anderson, pastor of Faithful Word Baptist Church, was set to go on a preaching campaign in Johannesburg. But his vocal views about homosexuality sparked an outcry of protest from South Africa's gay community.

Anderson allegedly said in a radio interview with columnist Michelangelo Signorile, "If you're a homosexual, I hope you get brain cancer and die."

He has also posted online videos depicting him screaming from the pulpit, "No homos will be allowed in my church ever."

The country's home affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba, issued a statement Tuesday saying Anderson is "prohibited" from entering the country.

"We have a duty to prevent harm and hatred, in all forms, against LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex) as against any other person in a democratic state," Minister Gigaba said.

In response, Anderson posted on his Facebook page, "I feel sorry for the people who live in South Africa."