Controversial Tempe pastor denied entry to Jamaica, won’t make speech
Jan 31, 2018, 4:36 AM | Updated: 1:30 pm
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PHOENIX — A controversial Tempe pastor was told he would not be permitted to enter the island nation of Jamaica when traveling there recently for a speaking engagement.
The Guardian reported that Steven Anderson, who oversees the Faithful Word Baptist Church, was told he would not be allowed to get on his flight to Kingston after officials decided his speech would be too inflammatory.
“The decision was made by the chief immigration officer because the pastor’s statements are not conducive to the current climate,” a spokesperson for Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security told the newspaper.
The University of West Indies canceled Anderson’s speaking engagement after he was blocked from entering the country.
Anderson told the paper that other nations may have exerted pressure over Jamaica to prevent him from traveling.
“I think the U.S. or U.K. must have a lot of influence over Jamaica and that’s probably where this is coming from,” he told the Guardian.
Anderson has been barred entry by at least four other nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Advocates filed an online petition to halt Anderson’s speech. The pastor is known for making anti-gay statements and denying the Holocaust happened.
“I am glad that leadership was shown in protecting LGBTQ Jamaicans, women and other minority groups which Steven Anderson has attacked over the past,” activist Jay John said.