Tanzania warns against sharing of pro-gay content

The government of Tanzania has issued a warning against disseminating internet articles and quick films that support same-sex unions.

It has also issued a warning that it will take legal action against social media group admins whose members post pro-LGBT comments.

At a press conference on Sunday at the Tanzania Communications Authority (TCRA) headquarters in Dar es Salaam, information minister Nape Nnauye made the comments.

According to Mr. Nnauye, some people are promoting same-sex relationships by exploiting kid-friendly cartoon content.

He said that the government would not put up with anyone encouraging behaviors that went against long-standing Tanzanian customs.

"It is better now that Tanzanians refrain from this," he said. "Before we start investigating and arresting perpetrators who send, produce, and distribute this content."

The minister claimed that TCRA, the regulating body, was trying to make sure that no content broke the law.

An anti-gay surveillance team was established in 2018 by a senior Tanzanian official named Paul Makonda, who was an associate of the late President John Magufuli.

Due to Tanzania's prohibition of homosexual behavior, many gay, lesbian, and transgender people are compelled to conceal their sexual orientation.