Before Obama trip, U.S. gay ruling inspires hope and revulsion in Africa

U.S. President Barack Obama hailed last week's Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex marriage as a "thunderbolt" but few share his view of gay rights in socially and religiously conservative Africa, which he visits this month.

In most of Africa's 54 states, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have to hide their sexual orientation for fear of persecution or criminal prosecution. South Africa is the only African country that permits gay or lesbian marriage.