The Advocate's Kerry Elevad is reporting:
“The President strongly opposes efforts, such as the draft law pending in Uganda, that would criminalize homosexuality and move against the tide of history,” read the White House statement that came late Friday in response to an inquiry from The Advocate.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the article itself provides a good but brief summary of the bill in question and some of the key American players who have influence in Uganda, some of whom may have actually played roles in moving it forward.
A few thoughts I have.
It's markedly ... Oh, I don't know, meh... I mean, the White House chose "opposes" not condemn. Not to nitpick, but really, opposing a law isn't really the same as saying you think it's unjust and should not proceed forward. This law does have diplomatic implications as it requires the extradition of Ugandan citizens who are suspected of the "crime of homosexuality" overseas. How exactly does our state department plan to handle those requests?
And there's certainly no emotional rhetorical plea on behalf of the citizens who would be put to death. Or a recognition of how completely outside the box of civilized culture targeted witchhunts and genocide are as state policy. It's ridiculous that a state is even contemplating such legislation, and should be called out as such, in my opinion.
It's also kind of odd to me that it has no recognition that a law criminalizing homosexuality already exists in Uganda. Uganda's current system already allows for the lifetime imprisonment of homosexuals. This draconian new measure is merely gilding an already fetid lily for GLBT citizens of Uganda, and the world.
And, all the "About f-ing time!" responses that came Rick Warren's way Thursday apply in equal measure here. I find it disappointing our "fierce advocate" spoke only after Rick Warren, prodding from The Advocate, and used the infamous Friday night news dump window as the venue for to doing so.
Thank God for Kerry Eleveld and the gay press in general for continuing to ask the tough questions the rest of the TM won't. And of course Rachel Maddow, and our own Troutfishing for staying on this story like white on the rice.
But now, we can finally add President Barack Obama to the growing list of people "brave" enough to condemn oppose state-sponsored genocide.
Update 1: I've been taken to task for being unimpressed with the rhetorical choices the White House made. I've been portrayed as wanting Obama to go all Bushian, diplomatic cowboy, as though there are only two choices to be made. I'd like to thank samalex, for pointing out a little more inspiring statement from our neighboring head of state, delivered on behalf of conservative Stephen Harper:
"The current legislation before Parliament in Uganda is vile, it’s abhorrent, it’s offensive. It offends Canadian values. It offends decency Mr. Speaker. We strongly condemn that and the Prime Minister will make that strong condemnation as well."
Personally, I think this is how civilized people should speak about state-sponsored genocide. I'm probably a radical though.