US Religious Right Presses Anti-Gay Laws in Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - A new report says conservative U.S. Christian groups are setting up fronts in Africa to fight for anti-gay and anti-abortion legislation.

It accuses evangelical stars Pat Robertson and Ricky Warren as well as Catholic and Mormon groups of setting up institutions and campaigns in Africa that are "reshaping national political dynamics and even laws based on an American template."

Tuesday's report from Boston-based Political Research Associates identifies a network of right-wing Christians that it accuses of "fanning the flames of the culture wars over homosexuality and abortion by backing prominent African campaigners and political leaders."

But some of the Africans cited in the report as promoting the conservatives' agenda say they are just using funds from foreign friends who share similar beliefs.