Miss Botswana Channels Carrie Prejean

A Miss Botswana contestant got the same question as Carrie Prejean and took her answer one step further, winning her the crown.

In a scenario that mirrors the recent controversy at the Miss USA competition, Sumaiyah Marope was asked by judge DJ Fresh if she would advocate gay marriage. “It is unnatural act,” Marope proclaimed. “God made us men and women [... ] It is only proper for men to have relationships with women as God created us.” The crowd erupted in a loud roar of approval of her comments. Unlike Miss California, Marope went on to win the competition, and was awarded a US $700 bracelet from rapper Russell Simmons, a brand new Mercedes Benz, and an academic scholarship. Miss Botswana’s comments come at an unusual time in Botswana, as several gay rights groups are pushing for the removal of legislation that does not recognize same-sex relationships.

Andy Towle notes that Russell Simmons may regret donating a prize to the pageant as he recently wrote a Huffington Post column in support of marriage equality.