The "Kill the Gays" bill might come to a vote in Uganda's parliament: Thinkprogress.org gives the grim news in an article by Zack Ford dated today:
Ugandaâs Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, took umbrage to the threat that Western countries like the U.S. and Canada would cut aid because of the countryâs persecution of homosexuality. Instead, she suggested that the anti-homosexuality (âKill The Gaysâ) bill that has persisted in the legislature be brought to the floor for a vote:
KADAGA: I will not accept to be intimidated or to be directed by any government in the world because we are independent. We are Ugandans. We are not a colony of Canada; weâre not even a protectorate. [...]
I will now instruct the chair of the Committee of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to quickly bring the report of the anti-homosexuality bill so that we discuss it and so that Uganda can take a position. [...]
If the price of aid is going to be promoting homosexuality in this country, I think we donât want that aid. I donât think we want it.
As Box Turtle Bulletin notes, the bill was slyly changed to remove the proposed penalty of âsuffering death,â but was replaced with a reference to another penalty law that also includes the death penalty. Sodomy is already illegal in the country, and the only purpose of the bill is to increase stigmatization against both gay citizens and their allies.
Since I know that the Obama administration has shown support for GLBT people around the world, I went on the Department of State website and sent them the following message:
"Please end U.S. subsidization of anti-gay bigoted and homophobic hatred -- end foreign aid to Uganda NOW! Ugandan Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, is pushing for passage of the "Kill the Gays" bill, and she has stated, "If the price of aid is going to be promoting homosexuality in this country, I think we donât want that aid. I donât think we want it." Let us take her at her word: since Uganda refuses to share our American values of tolerance and respect for GLBT people, then why should my gay taxes go to support their hatred? There are plenty of good causes in the world to which we can devote those funds. Thank you for your support of GLBT rights around the world."
I also sent similar messages to my congressman and senators. However, I still feel quite powerless and angry -- GLBT people don't always have it so great here in America, but the way my brothers and sisters are treated around the world in places like Uganda makes me want to weep with rage. And no doubt our cries will fall on deaf ears if Mitt Romney becomes president.
Please contact the State Department and your senators and representative about this, and let me know if you have other suggestions for what to do.
See video here: anti-gay hatred promoted by Ugandan Speaker of Parliament
Fri Nov 02, 2012 at 12:41 PM PT: Today in Queerty.com I find a story on a new documentary, "Call Me Kuchu," about the life and death of Ugandan gay activist David Kato and others. See the Queerty story here, with video preview: "Call Me Kuchu" Documentary