Zimbabwe govt to welcome gays

Several African countries have reportedly endorsed Zimbabwe's bid to host the International Conference on Aids and sexually transmitted infections in Africa 2015 in November despite attempts by gays and lesbian activists to have the conference held outside the country.

Lesbians and gays claimed their safety in the host country was compromised because of President Robert Mugabe's strong anti-gay stance.

Mugabe has been on record several times describing gays as worse than pigs and dogs.

Health Minister David Parirenyatwa early this month assured the organizers in a statement that government would accommodate all interested groups.