Anti-gay religious group gets funding from Canadian government to work in Africa

OTTAWA – The federal government is helping to fund an evangelical organization that describes homosexuality as a perversion and a sin.

The money is being used by Crossroads Christian Communications, which is based in Ontario, for its work in Uganda where gays and lesbians face severe threats.

Crossroads spokeswoman Carolyn Innis says the projects funded by the Canadian International Development Agency do not include evangelical work.

The projects include digging wells, building latrines and promoting hygiene awareness.

The federal government has denounced virulent homophobia in the East African country and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has condemned plans for an anti-gay bill that could include the death penalty for homosexuals.

Crossroads, which produces television programming, had listed homosexuality on its website as being among sexual sins deemed to be perversion.

The Internet page was removed within hours of the organization being contacted by The Canadian Press.

Crossroads has defended its position on homosexuality as being grounded in scripture.