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The Anti-homosexuality Bill introduced in Uganda’s parliament this past September must be dismissed, as it would be a clear violation of citizens’ health and human rights. It would also be an arrest to a movement by so many individuals and organizations to reform legislation and advocate for progressive policies that protect the sexual health of all people, including the health of sexual minorities.
If implemented, this bill would “prohibit homosexuality and related sexual practices and sentence individuals to life in imprisonment upon conviction.” Under this bill, “a person who commits the offense of aggravated homosexuality or those who are HIV positive shall be liable on conviction to suffer death.” Furthermore, the bill states that, “a person in authority, who is aware of any offense under this Act, omits to report the offense to relevant authorities within twenty-four hours of having first had that knowledge, he or she is considered to have committed an offense and is liable for a significant fine or imprisonment up to three years.” The law does not limit itself to those who are in Uganda. It states that, “A person who, while being a citizen or permanently residing in Uganda, commits an act outside Uganda, he or she will be liable for extradition,” as their act will STILL be considered an offense as the law claims jurisdiction over Ugandans.
By further criminalizing a part of society, that is already a marginalized group and represents one of the most at risk groups in the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, this will only impede the work of individuals and organizations’ effort to provide HIV prevention. It will create unnecessary barriers that will inhibit the ability to address, control and prevent the rampant global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Given the evidence that sexual minorities are disproportionately affected by the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, there is an urgent need for the implementation of programs that specifically target and address sexual minorities, not the implementation of further LGBT criminalization laws. Further, criminalizing sexual minorities in Uganda and other countries around the world only fuels the stigma and breeds prejudice, homophobia, and an unfriendly and abusive environment forcing sexual minorities to face increased discrimination, violence, a life without peace.
The bill claims that it aims at “providing comprehensive and enhanced legislation to protect the cherished culture of the people of Uganda, legal, religious and traditional family values of the people of Uganda against attempts of sexual rights activists seeking to impose their values of sexual promiscuity on the people of Uganda.” I am angered and frustrated by this statement as it exposes the motives of the bill as legislation motivated by a group’s morals and values in an attempt to impose their own values upon citizens at the expense of the health and human rights of citizens.
The United States must continue to be a defender of human rights and global leader to influence foreign policy that is progressive and protects the health and human rights of those abroad by condemning proposed legislation such as the one presented here.
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I will definitely write a letter to Obama. I am so glad that the violations of homosexual's human rights and dignity both here and abroad are getting more attention. Thank you for keeping up with what is going on in Uganda and posting this. It is great that you continue to post this type of information because it is amazing sometimes how much we are exposed to is determined by what certain people in the media view is important. Thanks again.
# Posted By 
vanessaaishacoleman
| 11/22/09 04:53 PM
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vanessaaishacoleman
| 11/22/09 04:53 PM
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