Family Watch International (FWI), a US Christian conservative organisation described by civil rights activists as a “hate group” for its anti-LGBT stance, has been coaching high-ranking African politicians and religious and civic leaders to oppose comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) across the continent.
For at least a decade, African ambassadors to the United Nations have been invited to FWI’s annual training programme in the US. The focus of the training is on opposing both LGBT rights and CSE – which the UN defines as “the education of children and young people about sexual health, well-being and dignity”. FWI’s training for African leaders also includes practical sessions on how to negotiate at the UN.
FWI president Sharon Slater and her husband, Greg Slater, who is the group’s senior legal adviser, also hold receptions for the twenty or so politicians at their suburban home in Gilbert, Arizona.
