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The revived version of Uganda’s harsh anti-homosexuality law, commonly known as the “Kill the Gays” bill, is scheduled for action in the Ugandan parliament anytime from Nov. 21 onward.
A coalition of Ugandan human rights advocates, which formerly asked international supporters to withhold public comments on the bill, has now given the green light for “any form of international outcry against this determined move by parliament to pass this bill.”
Rebecca Kadaga, speaker of Ugandan parliament
Rebecca Kadaga, the speaker of the Ugandan parliament, has promised passage of the bill by Christmas.
If enacted, the bill could make Uganda into a hell for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, as well as for anyone who believes they should be treated as human beings.
In the first version of the bill, repeated offenders would be executed. That provision may have been removed.
The bill would require people to report suspected homosexuals to police. Parents would be required to report their gay children to police.
Organizations serving LGBT people, including health services fighting AIDS, would be outlawed.
“We urge you all now to go all out to condemn this move in any way you see as fitting including statements (we would be glad if President Obama and other world leaders issued stern statements condemning it),” stated Geoffrey (Jeff) Ogwaro, co-coordinator of the LGBT-friendly Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law in Uganda.
Greetings from the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Uganda.
Geoffrey Ogwaro (Photo courtesy of Arcus Foundation)
The Anti- Homosexuality Bill is on order paper today under NOTICE OF BUSINESS TO FOLLOW No.3. Meaning it will be on business of the day any time from tomorrow. Following the caution to the international community not to make any loud noises until the bill scheduled for debate, It is now with profound sadness that we give the clear for any form of international outcry against this determined move by parliament to pass this bill. We urge you all now to go all out to condemn this move in any way you see as fitting including statements (we would be glad if President Obama and other world leaders issued stern statements condemning it). Thank you and hoping with all our hearts that this action by parliament does not come to pass.
In a follow-up statement, the coalition reiterated its earlier request that aid donors not threaten to cut off support to Uganda if the bill is enacted, because such threats in the past have provoked stubborn, defensive negative reactions from Ugandan politicians.
