Anti-Gay Bill Circulating In Uganda

Like many nations in Africa Uganda has many problems that need attention and coordinated efforts between the country's government and liberal outside agencies that can provide needed services and funding. Abject poverty is one such problem. All too typically, however, the national government and Christian extremists within the country are focused on demonizing gays and working on punitive anti-gay legislation. Actions that will only give the country a bad name and likely discourage some sources of aid to look to different countries in which to concentrate their efforts. Just as in backwards areas of the USA - e.g., Southwest Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, etc. - this type of governmental action only makes Uganda LESS attractive for foreign investment and activities that will promote education and jobs. This, of course is fine with Christianist religious leaders because an ignorant populace is key to their continued power and control. It is truly a sick situation and personally, other than a pro-gay organization, I would not give even a dime to an organization that would spend my money in Uganda. Here are highlights from Box Turtle Bulletin:

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Uganda appears to be inching closer to “strengthening” its already draconian anti-gay laws which already provide for a possible life sentence for those convicted of homosexuality. A draft of the proposed bill obtained by Box Turtle Bulletin indicates that Ugandan lawmakers intend to go much further.

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In a draft dated April 20, 2009 and being circulated surreptitiously, the proposed bill creates an offense of “aggravated homosexuality” and provides for the death penalty under specific circumstances. It also provides for at least five years imprisonment (and no apparent maximum) for advocating on behalf of LGBT people. This extends not just to activists and organizations, but to individuals as well, including bloggers or anyone else using the internet or mobile phones — as well as anyone who makes a donation or offers a safe refuge for LGBT people. Furthermore, if anyone is “aware of the commission of any offense under this Act” and fails to report it to the police, they will be liable of up to six months imprisonment.

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The accompanying memorandum calls on the Uganda government to withdraw from any international obligations or treaties which the government interprests as running counter to the country’s anti-gay policies.

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In July, Uganda’s Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity James Nsaba Buturo confirmed their intention to eliminate free speech for and on behalf of LGBT people. Meanwhile, a full-fledged public vigilante campaign was released on Uganda’s gay community, leading to several reports of arrests and reports.

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A full copy of the proposed bill can be found at Box Turtle Bulletin. Candidly, the country is going to Hell in a hand basket and the anti-gay jihad appears to be yet one more way for the national government to distract people from its failed rule. Likewise, the Christianist extremist once again are using LGBT lives to further their own goals and thirst for power. I find it all sickening.