United States concerned by Burundian president’s stance on homosexuals

The United States said it was troubled by comments from Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who last week called on citizens to stone gay people.

The comments escalated a crackdown on LGBT community in Burundi.

“The United States is deeply troubled by President Ndayishimiye’s remarks targeting certain vulnerable and marginalized Burundians,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

“We call on all of Burundi’s leaders to respect the inherent dignity and inalienable rights, including equal access to justice, of every member of Burundian society,” he added.

LGBT people in Burundi face social ostracism and jail terms of up to two years if convicted of same-sex offences.