PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has vowed that the new constitution currently being drafted in the country will have no provision for gay rights.

He was addressing a weekend gathering of pilgrims from across Africa in Marange to mark the Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect’s annual Passover.

Mugabe has previously compared gay individuals to dogs and pigs.

“Today, the Anglican Church condones marriages between men and the same for women. The Archbishop of Canterbury is blessing such marriages - that is similar to dog behaviour.

“At some point, I realised that I was reprimanding blameless dogs and pigs, which are aware that marriage is for procreation.

“We say no to gays! We will not listen to those advocating the inclusion of their rights in the constitution,” charged Mugabe.

Zimbabwean law does not outlaw homosexuality as such, but sodomy is a crime.

Authorities have not vigorously enforced the law, although two employees of Gays and

Lesbians of Zimbabwe, the national gay organisation, are facing trial on charges of possessing gay pornography.

Mugabe said it was better to marry many wives than to engage in gay and lesbian relationships.

“Our Constitution allows polygamy. We will not force people into monogamous marriages. It’s there even in the bible - Solomon was not only given wealth but many wives.”

Zimbabwe's coalition government is in the midst of a nationwide survey of the population to gauge their opinions on a new constitution, which is due to be drafted and subjected to a referendum next year.

If accepted, elections will follow, based on the new national law.