Stinking hypocrisy

President Obama has (rightly so) raised the issue of gay rights in Africa during a recent trip there. This isn't remarkable, especially as being gay is illegal in 37 (yes, 37) African countries. It's not remarkable what he said either, simply raising the issue and saying that in his view all people should be treated equally by the state (um, I'm not going to get into his hypocrisy there). 

What surprised me about this though was the reaction of the religious leaders in Africa to such a benign suggestion as equal rights for all. There's the usual religious mumbo jumbo, and then this:

“I think we need to act according to our own traditions and even our own faiths,” he said. “This is very important. We have to be proud of who we are.” more

Is it just me? Or do I smell stinking hypocrisy? Yeah yeah OK, be proud of who you are, but do you have to make who we are  illegal in 37 fuckin countries?

Fuck, we're proud of who we are too, but we don't go around demanding you be gay.