The Guardian reports that Pastor Steven Anderson, of the Arizona-based Faithful World Baptist Church, was scheduled to speak at the University of the West Indies.

After attempting to board a plane for Kingston, Anderson was informed that he would not be permitted entry to Jamaica.

Anderson’s ban is the result of campaigning by Jamaican activists, who circulated a petition which garnered 39,000 signatures, calling on the government to forbid his entry to the county.

“This is a positive outcome in which I am very pleased,” said petition author and activist Jay John. The news is doubly heartening considering Jamaica’s reputation as one of the most homophobic countries in the world.

“I am glad that leadership was shown in protecting LGBTQ Jamaicans, women and other minority groups which Steven Anderson has attacked over the past.”

To say Anderson is controversial, is a monumental understatement. Among the most appalling things he has said:

• Homosexuals should be stoned to death
• That the victims of the 2015 Paris terror attacks brought it upon themselves by being devil worshipers for attending a concert by the Eagles of Death Metal.
• After the Pulse Nightclub shootings in 2016, he said it was good that there were 50 less paedophiles in this world but bad that there were survivors.
• Denies the Holocaust happened.
• Also said he hopes Caitlyn Jenner’s heart explodes.

“The decision was made by the chief immigration officer because the pastor’s statements are not conducive to the current climate,” said a spokesperson for the Jamaican Ministry of National Security this week.

There is at least one silver lining for Anderson;  having been refused entry to South Africa, Canada and the UK, he is surely a dab hand at rejection at this point.