Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi, who is a Shiite cleric, says homosexuality is one of the "dirtiest" phenomena in human history.
Raisi, who is on a tour to three African countries, made the remarks in a joint press conference with his Ugandan counterpart on Wednesday.
“I believe that this issue, and these strong attacks by the West against the institution of families and against the culture of the nations, is another area of cooperation for Iran and Uganda,” Raisi said after a private meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
“Western countries try to identify homosexuality as an index of civilization, while this is one of the dirtiest things which have been done in human history,” Raisi added.
In late May, Uganda approved one of the world's toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", drawing Western condemnation and risking sanctions from aid donors.
As well as capital punishment for "serial offenders", the law also stipulates a 20-year sentence for "promoting" homosexuality.
Museveni urged lawmakers to resist "imperialist" pressure and called homosexuality a "deviation from normal."
More than 30 African countries already prohibited same-sex relations, but Uganda's new law went even further.
Homosexuality in Iran is punishable by death for men and by 100 lashes for women. On repeated offenses, women can be also executed.
When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Columbia University in New York in 2007, he triggered laughter and boos from the audience and widespread criticism in the West by saying, "In Iran, we don't have homosexuals like in your country."
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