Uganda prepares to pass "Kill The Gays" law

[Questionable]

The law will broaden the criminalization of same-sex relationships by dividing homosexuality into two categories; aggravated homosexuality and the offense of homosexuality.
‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as gay acts committed by parents or authority figures, HIV-positive people, pedophiles and repeat offenders. If convicted, they will face the death penalty.
The ‘offense of homosexuality’ includes same-sex sexual acts or being in a gay relationship, and will be prosecuted by life imprisonment.


http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uganda-officially-pass-%E2%80%98kill-gays%E2%80%99-bill121112

[TheGodlessUtopian]

The Ugandan ruling class is digging its own grave. The more queerphobic these people get, and the more people are affected by their bigoted moralist crusade, the more either internal dissent will bubble or "Western Intervention" will be likely. No matter what the further they go along this path, and the more people who are killed, imprisoned, and tortured, the more they are setting themselves up for internal civil conflict.

[Yuppie Grinder]

I am an aggravated homosexual, thanks in part to things like this.

[hetz]

The Ugandan ruling class is digging its own grave. The more queerphobic these people get, and the more people are affected by their bigoted moralist crusade, the more either internal dissent will bubble or "Western Intervention" will be likely. No matter what the further they go along this path, and the more people who are killed, imprisoned, and tortured, the more they are setting themselves up for internal civil conflict. It's quite likely that most Ugandians support these homophobic laws.
Not sure about that, but I wouldn't be surprised.

[Yuppie Grinder]

The Ugandan ruling class is digging its own grave. The more queerphobic these people get, and the more people are affected by their bigoted moralist crusade, the more either internal dissent will bubble or "Western Intervention" will be likely. No matter what the further they go along this path, and the more people who are killed, imprisoned, and tortured, the more they are setting themselves up for internal civil conflict.

Nah, this stuff serves to divide the proletariat and perpetuate social stratification. Just like South African Apartheid and Jim Crow it serves a socio-economic function of perpetuating the present state of things.
When systemic dehumanization outlives its socio-economic function it collapses, see the holocaust towards the end.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

It's quite likely that most Ugandians support these homophobic laws.
Not sure about that, but I wouldn't be surprised.

I do not doubt that a great deal of working class Ugadans support these measures; the point I am trying to lay-out, however, is that though the people who have nothing but disdain for queer people might support such a law such radical policies never go the way they are intended.It will only be a matter of time before the Ugandan government begins to peruse this policy with a zeal and starts arresting many non-queer people by mistake (indeed anyone who displays traits even remotely considered "queer"). This zealotry will in turn cause disillusionment with the people who previously supported such policies.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Nah, this stuff serves to divide the proletariat and perpetuate social stratification. Just like South African Apartheid and Jim Crow it serves a socio-economic function of perpetuating the present state of things.
When systemic dehumanization outlives its socio-economic function it collapses, see the holocaust towards the end.

Of course it serves to divide, I never implied, or intended to imply, otherwise.

I am not sure about the examples you cited, however.Most notebly during the Holocaust; when Germany was loosing the war and Hitler was faced with the decision on whether to pull troops from the concentration camps so they could fight up at the front he opted to instead pull troops from the front so that the killings could be hastened. Some of the same could be said of American slavery where the racists argue that such an institution could have been profitable well into more recent times; case in point, the groundwork for such a continued institution could be seen in the heinous Jim Crow segregation: if such policies could continue well into modernity than it wouldn't be complete folly to assume that for the white supremacist structure could have prospered economically (assuming the civil war never occured or the North's victory never happened).

[agnixie]

The FRC's supporters in the west are crowing about this. A bullet would be too generous for these shitheads. I'll keep it at that.

[l'Enfermé]

Kony from Kony 2012 sounds like a bourgeois humanist compared to the Ugandan government, really.

[Devrim]

The Ugandan ruling class is digging its own grave. The more queerphobic these people get, and the more people are affected by their bigoted moralist crusade, the more either internal dissent will bubble or "Western Intervention" will be likely. No matter what the further they go along this path, and the more people who are killed, imprisoned, and tortured, the more they are setting themselves up for internal civil conflict.

I think that this may be what you want to believe more than what has any chance of happening.

I think civil conflict over this is very unlikely and western intervention virtually unimaginable.

Devrim

[l'Enfermé]

^Isn't there already "Western"(read: American) intervention in Uganda already? That is, on the side of the government.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I think that this may be what you want to believe more than what has any chance of happening.

I think civil conflict over this is very unlikely and western intervention virtually unimaginable.

Devrim

Perhaps but it is hard to really say how events will progress. Intervention though is a broad term: direct military intervention would be rather unthinkable but the creation and funding of proxy-armies would be more realistic. I think it will generate some reprisals though, however "token." I wouldn't be surprised to see sanctions (I think I remember Hillary Clinton saying as much).

[Zostrianos]

I do not doubt that a great deal of working class Ugadans support these measures; the point I am trying to lay-out, however, is that though the people who have nothing but disdain for queer people might support such a law such radical policies never go the way they are intended.It will only be a matter of time before the Ugandan government begins to peruse this policy with a zeal and starts arresting many non-queer people by mistake (indeed anyone who displays traits even remotely considered "queer"). This zealotry will in turn cause disillusionment with the people who previously supported such policies.

Many of them unfortunately will be manipulated into supporting it. If you remember the "Eat da poo poo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1wwe9-be2Y)" video, the preacher shows scat porn in church to get people riled up, and make them believe that's what legalizing homosexuality will bring to the country. Since Uganda is a very Christian country last time I checked, this will lead to rampant homophobia among the church going population.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Many of them unfortunately will be manipulated into supporting it. If you remember the "Eat da poo poo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1wwe9-be2Y)" video, the preacher shows scat porn in church to get people riled up, and make them believe that's what legalizing homosexuality will bring to the country. Since Uganda is a very Christian country last time I checked, this will lead to rampant homophobia among the church going population.

It will get many people riled up for sure but I am not saying that it will not but merely that once the law is in full effect and the government begins to persecute every instance of "homosexuality" no matter how minor and many people who otherwise supported the measures are affected, support could drop. It is all a matter of what happens and if the Ugandan government enforces the law with the will of fanatics but I am simply saying it is a possibility.

[Lenina Rosenweg]

I seriously doubt there would be western intervention over this issue. The current government in Uganda is pro-US and has been supporting US intervention in Somalia and elsewhere.Humanitarian intervention only applies to regimes the US opposes. Compare Bahrain and Libya.

Its important to note the role of US Christian fundamentalist groups whipping up homophobia though out Africa.

I am not super knowledgeable of traditional African attitudes towards sexuality. As I understand African cultures had a laissez faire attitude towards sexuality. Homophobia became widespread with the introduction of monotheism, especially Christianity, in Africa and the African diaspora.

[agnixie]

^Isn't there already "Western"(read: American) intervention in Uganda already? That is, on the side of the government.

The Ugandan army is essentially a subsidiary of the US DOD, yeah. They train and equip them and they generally are the key to US african strategy.

[Sperm-Doll Setsuna]

^Isn't there already "Western"(read: American) intervention in Uganda already? That is, on the side of the government.

And U.S. Christian missionary organisations are partially behind this law and has been behind the support and popularising of ideas like these going back quite a long while.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Its important to note the role of US Christian fundamentalist groups whipping up homophobia though out Africa.
And it's exactly what they'd love to do in the US if they could. They can't, so they just find somewhere else to peddle their extremism successfully.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

And it's exactly what they'd love to do in the US if they could. They can't, so they just find somewhere else to peddle their extremism successfully.

It is especially sad that it was Uganda since before the fundamentalists sunk their claws in Uganda had the best track record in Africa in relation to HIV/AIDS prevention; their programs were widely used and administered by the state but since the extremists seized power this record has been merely a shadow of the past.

[Althusser]

"You paid for the bullets, barbed wire, and fences."
http://www.congoplanet.com/pictures/news/jason_russell_invisible_children_kony_2012.jpg

[TheGodlessUtopian]

An action by Anonymous...


Hackers threaten Ugandan officials over 'Kill the Gays' bill


Cyber activists from Anonymous release names and contact details of Ugandan lawmakers, while petition garners 1.5 million signatures
14 November 2012 | By Matthew Jenkin (http://www.gaystarnews.com/author/matthew-jenkin)




Cyber activists are threatening Ugandan officials after the country's Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga promised to pass the 'Kill the Gays' bill as a 'Christmas gift'.
The so-called 'hacktivists' from Anonymous New Jersey (https://www.facebook.com/AnonNJ?fref=ts) sent a stark warning to lawmakers, urging them not rubber stamp the draconian legislation which would mean gay Ugandans could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
With the message, the secretive campaigners also released the names and contact details of members of the African nation's Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as Kadaga's phone number and email address.
'The "Kill the gays" bill has been reintroduced into the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in Uganda,' Anonymous posted in Pastebin (http://pastebin.com/jhHYyY3E).
'Let them know that we will not let this bill pass. And if it does they should expect us.'
On Monday (12 November) (http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uganda-officially-pass-%E2%80%98kill-gays%E2%80%99-bill121112), Kadaga said the anti-gay bill will become law by December 2012 since most Ugandans ‘are demanding it’.
Referring to the law as a ‘Christmas gift’ to the population, she spoke of ‘the serious threat’ posed by homosexuals.
The group also encouraged people to contact Kadaga, warning her that if the law is passed 'we will give her a Christmas present that she will never forget.'
Her comments have sparked outrage from the international community and a petition launched in protest (http://www.avaaz.org/en/24_hours_to_stop_the_uganda_antigay_attack_nm/?fb_ud) has already garnered more than 1.5 million signatures.
The appeal to Ugandan President Museveni, members of the Review Committee, parliament and governments which provide aid, reads: 'We stand with citizens across Uganda who are calling on their government to withdraw the Anti-Homosexual Bill and to protect the universal human rights embodied in the Ugandan constitution.
'We urge Uganda’s leaders and donors to join us in rejecting persecution and upholding values of justice and tolerance.'
The law will broaden the criminalization of same-sex relationships by dividing homosexuality into two categories; aggravated homosexuality and the offense of homosexuality.
‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as gay acts committed by parents or authority figures, HIV-positive people, pedophiles and repeat offenders. If convicted, they will face the death penalty.
The ‘offense of homosexuality’ includes same-sex sexual acts or being in a gay relationship, and will be prosecuted by life imprisonment.
Originally put to government in 2009, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill had been temporarily shelved because of international criticism.
Several European countries have threatened to cut aid to Uganda if it passes, with the UK government warning Uganda it would face severe reductions in financial help.
US President Barack Obama has described it as ‘odious’, and Canadian politician John Baird has said it is ‘vile, abhorrent, and offends decency’.



Source: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/hackers-threaten-ugandan-officials-over-kill-gays-bill141112

[TheGodlessUtopian]

More news about African reactionaries targeting Queers...


A draconian bill was introduced (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hCRf89WaIa3yh95PdqUl-hEY111Q?docId=CNG.c99a1846a3c3c50df326c9cd3869f268 .281) in Nigeria's Assembly that would ultimately jail Nigeria's gay citizens and anyone who supported them if it becomes law. All Out joined Nigeria's lesbians, gays, and allies by calling upon Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan to veto the bill should it pass its final reading in the Assembly this month.
The bill would make it a crime for gays and lesbians to get married, to witness a gay marriage, or for an affirming churches to perform a gay wedding. Gays and lesbians who marry will face 14 years in prison.
Any public displays of affection, such as holding hands, or even looking at each other affectionately could result in a 10-year jail sentence.
Whether the participant is gay or straight, anyone who organizes or becomes a member of a "gay club" or supports a gay organization financially could also face jail time.
Oliver Anene, Coordinator of the Initiative for Improved Male Health states:

The spread of HIV in the country is fueled by the growing stigma and discrimination of people, and a legislation as this will only make it more difficult to provide services to our highly productive youth burdened by the epidemic, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity. We humbly implore our law makers to really consider the long term consequences of this bill on the social security of our youth. The Executive Director of International Center for Advocacy on Right to Health (ICARH) Mr. Ifeanyi Orazulike stated that "The bill will further drive the populations of sexual minority targeted by civil society organizations with HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention programs underground, with grave consequences on public health." He added that "HIV/AIDS does not respect any culture, religion, race or political opinion."
"The 'Jail the Gays' bill is an attack on not only gays and lesbians, but on straight Nigerians," said Andre Banks, the Executive Director and co-founder of All Out, the world's largest global LGBT organization. "Basic freedoms like the freedom to assemble, the freedom to worship as one chooses, and the freedom to love are under attack by the Nigerian government. No one is safe from this dangerous bill -- it is a distraction from real problems and must be stopped."
Last year Nigeria's Senate passed a similar bill, but after 65,000 All Out members joined Nigeria's fair-minded citizens by calling for an end of the bill, it did not move forward.
All Out has launched a new online campaign (http://www.allout.org/nigeria-veto) in coordination with Nigerian citizens who are fighting to stop the "Jail the Gays" bill once again. All Out members from around the world are supporting Nigerian citizens in calling upon Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan to veto the bill.
To sign All Out's petition visit http://www.allout.org/nigeria-veto.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joe-mirabella/nigeria-anti-gay-bill_b_2140894.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

[cynicles]

Kony from Kony 2012 sounds like a bourgeois humanist compared to the Ugandan government, really.
Of course, why do you think the christian fundamentalists who supported this bill made the Kony 2012 campaign, they need someone to distract stupid western liberals from the sectarian menage e trois they're in with the US government for the war on terror/oil/natural resources/hegemony in africa.

[Devrim]

Perhaps but it is hard to really say how events will progress. Intervention though is a broad term: direct military intervention would be rather unthinkable but the creation and funding of proxy-armies would be more realistic. I think it will generate some reprisals though, however "token." I wouldn't be surprised to see sanctions (I think I remember Hillary Clinton saying as much).

This seem to be more than a little step back from your original starting point; "the Ugandan ruling class is digging its own grave".

I can't imagine the creation of proxy armies, and I would be quite surprised to see sanctions.

Unless you have bought into the whole imperialist espousal of human rights to justify their actions, such as their talk of trying to free women in Afghanistan, then I don't understand why you would imagine that the US would care even. After all it is not as if Uganda is an area of vital strategic importance, and it is not as if the US doesn't currently have an ally which has the death penalty for homosexuality (Saudi Arabia).

Uganda can expect a verbal slap on the wrist and that is all.

I also get the impression, though you don't actually go as far as saying it, that you would support intervention. Is that the case?

Devrim

[TheGodlessUtopian]

This seem to be more than a little step back from your original starting point; "the Ugandan ruling class is digging its own grave".

No, it is not a step back as the end result will still be the same.

The point is: If they are as zealous with this policy as I think it they are going to be,and they start arresting anyone who even remotely fits the profile of "gay" than yeah, I think they are going to start and see some home grown resistance. People do not like being imprisoned en mass for minor shit. This will especially be prevalent considering Uganda has one of the world's highest population growth rates (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2963.htm#political); the many members of the new population will not quite be so gun-ho and subtle (I.E knowledgeable about what is "appropriate" and not so appropriate) as the current generation is at the law and conflict of some kind,whether it is civil or legal) is bound to show up in some form.


I can't imagine the creation of proxy armies, and I would be quite surprised to see sanctions.Why can't you imagine seeing that? Is it as though a Western Government have never set up proxy militias to serve their interest in the region? Remember that Uganda is posed to become one of Africa's top ten oil producers (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2963.htm#econ) in the next ten years (so you know what that means for Western Imperialists who will use any excuse to "go in an liberate the Ugandans"). Provided, a decade isn't anything immediate but that is what I am talking about: the long term potentials.


Unless you have bought into the whole imperialist espousal of human rights to justify their actions, such as their talk of trying to free women in Afghanistan, then I don't understand why you would imagine that the US would care even. After all it is not as if Uganda is an area of vital strategic importance, and it is not as if the US doesn't currently have an ally which has the death penalty for homosexuality (Saudi Arabia).It seems right up Obama's alley, to be sure.This is ignoring the fact that the Obama Administration has already threatened to end all foreign aid to Uganda if it passes. (http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/5-white-house-petition-end-foreign-aid-to-uganda-if-kill-the-gays-bill-passes/politics/2012/11/17/53996) (same goes for the U.K (http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/africa-emerges/uganda-fury-at-aid-threat-over-gay-rights)) Not to mention the fact that there is a White House Petition with exactly that intent (https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/remove-all-foreign-aid-uganda-and-impose-sanctions-if-kill-gays-bill-passed-legislature/6MNsrwM5). While it is not a damning list by any means I did find this on a website that might irritate some corporate lackeys here and initiate the processes which would lead to sanctions...



American and International Corporations will not be able to function in a Country where employers cannot send gay and lesbian executives, employees, representatives;
The U.S. Government and other countries would be placing its gay and lesbian envoys, employees at risk - regardless of diplomatic immunity -
The LGBT communities around the world and allies will be calling for trade boycotts and divestment from Uganda;
Tourism to Uganda will be boycotted by the International community;
Ugandan Coffee importers will be targeted in the U.S.A.
Uganda's interests in the U.S.A. and other countries will be targeted for protests;
The world LGBTI community and allies will continue to pressure President Zuma to remove Jon Qwelane from Uganda and to stop South African investment in Uganda;
The Gay communities of the world will demand the U.S.A. and U.K. and other Western countries offer asylum to LGBTI people in Uganda and safe passage to other countries.
Activists will target the Banks that provide services in Uganda with boycotts and account closures;

Take this in conjunction with the above statement about oil (which I think will be the real "straw of hay") and I believe there is a recipe for some covert conflict.


Uganda can expect a verbal slap on the wrist and that is all.Perhaps at first but isn't that how things always develop, as a slap on the wrist? The real consequences come later under the auspices of some other nonsense.


I also get the impression, though you don't actually go as far as saying it, that you would support intervention. Is that the case?Have I ever said as much? No. I am attempting to outline possibilities for the future, nothing more.

[Devrim]

The point is: If they are as zealous with this policy as I think it they are going to be,and they start arresting anyone who even remotely fits the profile of "gay" than yeah, I think they are going to start and see some home grown resistance. People do not like being imprisoned en mass for minor shit.

If you take a brief look at history, I think you will find that people quite like to see other people imprisoned for things that they think are wrong.


No, it is not a step back as the end result will still be the same.

Yes, it is a complete step back. Before you were predicting "internal civil conflict"..."No matter what", now you are talking about 'thinking they are going to start to see some homegrown resistance', and now it is only 'if'.

I think it is quite a good step back as the things that you were saying before were obviously on planet Janet, now you just seem to be flying somewhere in the stratosphere.

I don't think you have any idea of how these sort of campaigns work if you think that it is going to cause massive resistance. I also think that if you look at this in the context of Uganda, this is actually a populist move designed to get people to support the government after the mass discontent around the 'walk to work' protests.

Equally I am unsure what you think population growth has to do with it. Do you expect that these young people won't grow up in Uganda, and instead will grow up with the moral code of US liberals. I find it unlikely.


Why can't you imagine seeing that? Is it as though a Western Government have never set up proxy militias to serve their interest in the region? Remember that Uganda is posed to become one of Africa's top ten oil producers (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2963.htm#econ) in the next ten years (so you know what that means for Western Imperialists who will use any excuse to "go in an liberate the Ugandans"). Provided, a decade isn't anything immediate but that is what I am talking about: the long term potentials.

I can't imagine the US using proxy armies against Uganda because Uganda is on their side. They have special forces in their supporting the Uganda state, the US gives them $600 million in aid, and the CIA describes their relationship as "good".


It seems right up Obama's alley, to be sure.This is ignoring the fact that the Obama Administration has already threatened to end all foreign aid to Uganda if it passes. (http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/5-white-house-petition-end-foreign-aid-to-uganda-if-kill-the-gays-bill-passes/politics/2012/11/17/53996) (same goes for the U.K (http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/africa-emerges/uganda-fury-at-aid-threat-over-gay-rights)) Not to mention the fact that there is a White House Petition with exactly that intent (https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/remove-all-foreign-aid-uganda-and-impose-sanctions-if-kill-gays-bill-passed-legislature/6MNsrwM5). While it is not a damning list by any means I did find this on a website that might irritate some corporate lackeys here and initiate the processes which would lead to sanctions...

I am not sure what the Obama administration's threats to end all foreign aid to Uganda are as the link that you provide has only a passing reference to it and no details.

If you read your link about what the UK said it is quite clear that there is nothing serious:


The suggestion from Cameron was one of more than 100 recommendations put forth during the meeting to keep the organization relevant in 21st century global affairs.
"This is an issue where we are pushing for movement, we are prepared to put some money behind what we believe,” he told the BBC. “But I'm afraid that you can't expect countries to change overnight.”
If Cameron’s recommendation is acted upon, it would only affect one aspect of aid known as general budget support, the BBC reports. The overall amount of aid given to a country would not be reduced.


So to sumerize, first it is not a threat, but a recommendation to the government. Second, the Prime Minister doesn't expect them to make any changes soon, and finally the overall amount of aid would not be reduced.

When I read the bit about the petition I imagined that this was some formal communication from the US administration to Uganda. For those like myself unfamiliar with US political terms, it is nothing of the sort. It means somebody has sent a petition to the White House. So what?

As for the list of nine points, which I am not sure of the origin of, this one in particular is laughable:


The world LGBTI community and allies will continue to pressure President Zuma to remove Jon Qwelane from Uganda and to stop South African investment in Uganda

Jacob Zuma is a man who thinks that same sex marriage is "a disgrace to the nation and to God". He is also on record as saying "When I was growing up, an ungq (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ungqingili&action=edit&redlink=1)ingili (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ungqingili&action=edit&redlink=1) (a homosexual) would not have stood in front of me. I would knock him out."

I am sure he will be quite willing to join this campaign.



I also get the impression, though you don't actually go as far as saying it, that you would support intervention. Is that the case? Have I ever said as much? No. I am attempting to outline possibilities for the future, nothing more.

No, you haven't actually said as much, but statements like this do more than hint at it:


While it is not a damning list by any means I did find this on a website that might irritate some corporate lackeys here and initiate the processes which would lead to sanctions...

Devrim

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Devrim, I have already explained myself as to why I believe this bill will result in civil conflict; population growth (people who do not understand or uphold the finer points of the bill), foreign influence, eventual sanctions, military interference, etc. But as at this point we are getting into semantics and "what ifs". I do not see the point in continuing it. At this point you are only splitting hairs with your replies. With so many of the factors which would lead to sanctions either not in development yet or still in the "larva" stage it is nearly impossible to truly guess as to what the future will hold. But history has shown these kind of radical undertakings always backfire sooner or later (and trust me, it will, if Uganda passes it). So we shall wait and see.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

No, you haven't actually said as much, but statements like this do more than hint at it:

No they do not, you are only reading it that way because you take everything way too seriously; I post a comment about how I think this bill will lead to civil strife of one kind of another and you treat it as some grand theory and leave ad-nausem replies. I never even hinted at wishing any kind of foreign intervention so stop trying to set it up as such.

[Robespierres Neck]

I've done a lot of research on this bill. Unfortunately, there's a large portion of Ugandans that support it. A lot of the ignorance attached to this support comes from certain Western religious preachers that have had influence in spreading anti-homosexuality propaganda there. Some of the native preachers there (like Martin Ssempa) have an agenda of focusing on the issue of homosexuality alone, using absurd tactics to justify the bill.

[Robespierres Neck]

Here's a great documentary on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1tyYFicXo

[TheGodlessUtopian]

An update...


A bill that would proscribe the death penalty for homosexuality has been listed for discussion on the Ugandan Parliament's agenda, reports Box Turtle Bulletin (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/11/21/51186).
The so-called kill the gays bill, which would impose harsh penalties on anyone engaging in same-sex sexual activities or "promoting homosexuality," first appeared on the parliamentary Orders Papers (http://www.parliament.go.ug/new/index.php/parliamentary-business/order-paper) today, listed under "Business to Follow" after a lengthy daily agenda. BTB reports that the Orders Papers don't indicate at what point the bill might be brought up for a vote, since items listed under the "Business to Follow" heading can remain on the agenda for weeks, or be discussed in the immediate future.
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga said last month (http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/10/31/watch-uganda-parliament-speaker-pushes-vote-kill-gays-bill) that Parliament will pass the bill as a "Christmas gift" to the majority of Ugandans, who are "demanding it." Uganda's Parliament breaks for the Christmas holiday December 15. Last week Kadaga reiterated that statement in a letter (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/11/16/51023) to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee demanding that the bill be debated this week.
There has been some confusion over whether the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" still exists in the current version of the bill. The bill does in fact still call for capital punishment of homosexuality, according to BTB's breakdown (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/11/16/51026) of the legislation as it exists today. Aggravated homosexuality, as defined in the legislation, occurs when sex takes place with a minor, when one person is HIV-positive, when one is a parent or guardian of the other partner, when one person is in a position of authority, if one of the participants is disabled, or if one uses drugs or alcohol to "have an unlawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex." The bill also categorizes "repeat offenders" as perpetrators of "aggravated homosexuality."

Source: http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/11/21/ugandan-kill-gays-bill-appears-parliamentary-calendar

[NormalG]

As far as traditional African attitudes towards homosexuality, from what I have observed, amongst at least East Africans, is disdain and no understanding. I have heard some even go so far as claim that no word for homosexuality even exists in their native tongue, and homosexuality was introduced by Arabs and white people. Definitely high levels of homophobes so a bill like this could potentially be well supported.

[cynicles]

As far as traditional African attitudes towards homosexuality, from what I have observed, amongst at least East Africans, is disdain and no understanding. I have heard some even go so far as claim that no word for homosexuality even exists in their native tongue, and homosexuality was introduced by Arabs and white people. Definitely high levels of homophobes so a bill like this could potentially be well supported.
Technically they're right about it being introduced by europeans(not Arabs) since the concept of dualistic sexuality is a recent capitalist conception that didn't exist prior to colonialism.

[Devrim]

Devrim, I have already explained myself as to why I believe this bill will result in civil conflict; population growth (people who do not understand or uphold the finer points of the bill), foreign influence, eventual sanctions, military interference, etc. But as at this point we are getting into semantics and "what ifs". I do not see the point in continuing it. At this point you are only splitting hairs with your replies. With so many of the factors which would lead to sanctions either not in development yet or still in the "larva" stage it is nearly impossible to truly guess as to what the future will hold. But history has shown these kind of radical undertakings always backfire sooner or later (and trust me, it will, if Uganda passes it).

It is not in any way 'splitting hairs' or talking about 'what ifs'. I think the idea that this law will cause major civil conflict in Uganda or provoke US intervention was one of the more absurd ideas promoted on RevLeft, a place full of absurd ideas, this month. To be honest, I find it difficult to understand how anybody who claims to be a Marxist could have so little idea about how the world works.


I do not see the point in continuing it...we shall wait and see.Let's wait and see. I would suggest that you come back to this thread if it ever occurs that there is either mass civil conflict in Uganda over this issue, or the US is bombing Kampala.

If that ever turned out to be the case I would be more than happy to admit I was wrong. I am not holding my breath though.

Devrim

[TheGodlessUtopian]

The top U.S. diplomat in Africa met over the weekend with leaders in Uganda to express concerns about an anti-gay bill pending before the country’s parliament that could be headed for a vote as soon as this week, according to the State Department.
Victoria Nuland, a State Department spokesperson, said during a daily briefing Monday that Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson met with high-profile leaders in Uganda “over the weekend” and raised concerns about the bill, which among other things would punish homosexual acts with life in prison. The questioning was initiated by the Washington Blade.
“As we have regularly said, we call on the parliament of Uganda to look very carefully at this because Uganda’s own Human Rights Council has made clear that if this were to pass, it would put the country out of compliance with its own international human rights obligations,” Nuland said. “And so, Assistant Secretary Carson had a chance to make that point again and our strong opposition to this, to the president, to the parliament and to key decision makers in Uganda.”
Nuland also affirmed media reports from last week that the legislation has passed out of the Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee, saying, “Our understanding is that a version of the bill has now passed the committee in Uganda.”
Carson spoke with these leaders on the same Africa trip where he’s meeting with Museveni as well as other leaders in the area in an attempt to end violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
It wouldn’t be the first time Carson has raised concerns about the bill with Uganda President Yoweri Museveni. In 2009, the Washington Blade reported (http://www.washingtonblade.com/2009/12/25/ugandan-president-to-block-anti-gay-bill-officials-say/) that Carson met with Museveni about the bill and later had conversations about it on the phone. On both occasions, the State Department said Museveni had pledged to block the bill from becoming law and would veto it if it came to his desk.
Nuland later said Carson met with Uganda Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, who’s reportedly been a chief advocate of the anti-gay bill, although it’s unclear whether the meeting was just with her or a larger group of Ugandan leaders. Kadaga is quoted in Reuters (http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/11/13/uk-uganda-homosexuality-idUKBRE8AC0VC20121113) earlier this month as saying, “Ugandans want that law as a Christmas gift. They have asked for it and we’ll give them that gift.”
Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda, but the proposed bill would expand existing law to institute life imprisonment for those found guilty of homosexuality in addition to prohibiting public support for LGBT rights. According to Sexual Minorities Uganda, parents and teachers would be fined if they don’t report gay children and students and landlords who rent to gay people would be punished with jail time.
The legislation — colloquially known in the United States as the “Kill the Gays” bill — became infamous in the international community after its introduction in 2009 for including a provision that would institute the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”
But it’s unclear whether this provision remains in the legislation. Early on Friday, BBC News Africa (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20463887) reported that a legislative committee had “endorsed” the legislation, but had dropped the death penalty provision. Previous reports had indicated the death penalty provision has been dropped, and yet that language was found in the bill.
Nuland told the Blade the State Department is uncertain about whether the death penalty provision has been dropped from the bill because the committee has yet to make its report on the bill public.
“I don’t know that we have actually seen the version that passed committee,” Nuland said. “They’ve been a little bit close hold about this, partly because there’s been so much controversy in the international community. So our concern is about any criminalization of homosexuality, obviously.”
Some countries, such as Britain and Sweden, have threatened to cut foreign aid to Uganda if this bill becomes law. U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Scott H. DeLisi was quoted in a Ugandan newspaper as saying the United States has “decided to continue giving aid to Uganda,” but that was in response to misuse of foreign aid and not the anti-gay bill.
Nuland declined to directly answer a question from the Blade about whether the State Department was considering whether to cut foreign aid from Uganda if the legislation becomes law.
“I’m not going to get into any hypothetical situations,” Nuland said. “Our focus now is on raising awareness of the concerns within Uganda about this bill, so we don’t get to that stage.”
Asked by another reporter about whether a pledge to cut aid would be “a good, strong point to make” if the United States opposes the bill, Nuland said she won’t “make prospective points from the podium here about where we might go if this bill passes.”
Nuland refocused attention to talks within the country, saying, “I think there is a very intense conversation going on inside Uganda about this, and the far better course of action would be for the bill not to pass.”
Pressed further on the prospects of cutting aid by yet another reporter, Nuland signaled those talks should happen at a later time, saying, “Again, we’re at a relatively preliminary stage here where you’ve had one committee pass this. There is room for those kinds of conversations. Our first focus at the moment is on getting reconsideration of this.”
Nuland also addressed questions about the United States denying Kadaga a visa. The spokesperson said she’s not aware of a visa question and said the State Department can’t generally talk about such issues.
A transcript of the exchange between Nuland and reporters follows:
Q: Yeah, I have a question on Uganda, actually. There’s an anti-homosexuality bill that’s making its way through the legislature right there. What is the State Department’s current assessment of where that bill is and if that’s going to be headed toward a vote anytime soon?
MS. NULAND: Again, Assistant Secretary Carson was also in Uganda over the weekend. He had a chance to raise again our concerns about this issue, which we’ve been very vocal about. Our understanding is that a version of the bill has now passed a committee in Uganda. As we have regularly said, we call on the parliament in Uganda to look very carefully at this, because Uganda’s own human rights council has made clear that if this were to pass, it would put the country out of compliance with its own international human rights obligations. And so Assistant Secretary Carson had a chance to make that point again and our strong opposition to this, to the president, to the parliament, and to key decision makers in Uganda.
Q: And there was – and once the bill had a provision that would institute the death penalty for homosexual acts. As far as the State Department knows, has that provision been removed or is it still in the bill?
MS. NULAND: Again, I don’t know that we have actually seen the version that passed committee. They’ve been a little bit close hold about this, partly because there’s been so much controversy in the international community. So our concern is about any criminalization of homosexuality, obviously.
Q: And one last question. Some countries, Britain and Sweden, have threatened to cut foreign aid to Uganda if this bill becomes law. Is there any consideration in the U.S. Administration to cut foreign aid to Uganda if that bill becomes law?
MS. NULAND: Again, I’m not going to get into any hypothetical situations. Our focus now is on raising awareness of the concerns within Uganda about this bill so that we don’t get to that stage.
…
Q: Wait, wait one second. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t – don’t you think that would be a pretty strong point to make to the Ugandans if you think this is a bad idea that you would say, hey, you can go ahead and do this, but it’s not only going to not only violate your international commitments but it’s also going to jeopardize American assistance? Why would you –
MS. NULAND: Again, I’m not to make prospective points from the podium here about where we might go if this bill passes. I think there is a very intense conversation going on inside Uganda about this, and the far better course of action would be for the bill not to pass.
Q: And isn’t that what happened a couple of years ago when the harsh bill was put up and there were active threats from not just the U.K. but also the United States that if this bill were to pass, aid would be cut? And that was part of why the bill was tabled, no?
MS. NULAND: Again, we’re at a relatively preliminary stage here where you’ve had one committee pass this. There is room for those kinds of conversations. Our first focus at the moment is on getting reconsideration of this.
…
Q: On this, Toria. Did Secretary Carson meet with the speaker of the parliament?
MS. NULAND: My understanding is he did see the speaker of the parliament, whether it was in a larger group or whether it was a distinct meeting that he did, yes.
Q: But he – so he made that point directly to her?
MS. NULAND: Yes, he did.
Q: Okay. Can you – do you have in your guidance there the ability to deny the reports that built up over the long weekend that the United States had denied her a visa?
MS. NULAND: Well, obviously we don’t talk about visa issuance one way or the other, so I don’t have any information about it one way or the other. But I frankly hadn’t heard that there was a visa question involved in this at all.
Q: There was one. And the parliament then issued its own statement which was slightly ambiguous, but it sounded like they were trying to say that, no, you guys had not denied her a visa.
MS. NULAND: I’m not aware of any visa issues. But in general, as you know, we can’t talk about these things.

Source: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/11/26/u-s-envoy-meets-ugandan-leaders-over-anti-gay-bill/

[TheGodlessUtopian]

KAMPALA, Uganda -- The Ugandan lawmaker who originally authored an anti-gay bill proposing death for some homosexual acts said Friday that a new version of the proposed legislation doesn't contain the death penalty.
Parliamentarian David Bahati said the bill, which is expected to be voted on next month, had "moved away from the death penalty after considering all the issues that have been raised."
"There is no death penalty," he told The Associated Press.
Bahati said the bill now focuses on protecting children from gay pornography, banning gay marriage, counseling gays, as well as punishing those who promote gay culture. Jail terms are prescribed for various offenses, he said, offering no details. The most recent version of the bill hasn't been publicly released.
In 2009, when Bahati first introduced the bill, he charged that homosexuals threatened family values in Uganda and that gays from the West were recruiting poor Ugandan children into gay lifestyles with promises of money and a better life. He said a tough new law was needed because a colonial-era law against sodomy was not strong enough.
The bill, popular among many in Uganda but condemned abroad, has been under scrutiny by a committee whose members now say they are ready to put it forward for a vote. One of the members, Krispus Ayena, said Friday that some parliamentarians spoke strongly against certain provisions in the bill as well as the death penalty itself.
"There was a dissenting voice in the committee," Ayena said. "They argued very forcefully that we should not do a thing like that: to regulate what goes on in bedrooms. First of all, is it practicable to regulate that? And there are those who say this is very oppressive."
The bill's original wording proposed the death penalty for cases where HIV-infected homosexuals had sex, where gay people had sex with minors or the disabled, and where gays were discovered having sex for the second time. Bahati said at the time that these offenses amounted to what he called "aggravated homosexuality."
The speaker of Uganda's parliament recently said the bill would be passed before Christmas, renewing fears among activists who want it jettisoned. The bill has been condemned by some world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, who has described it as "odious." European countries such as Sweden and Norway have threatened to cut foreign aid to Uganda if the bill becomes law.

More than 445,000 people around the world have joined a campaign urging Citibank and Barclays to publicly condemn the bill. Both Citibank and Barclays have big operations in Uganda. The petition – perhaps mistakenly, according to the latest information from Bahati and Ayena – calls the legislation the "Kill the Gays" bill.
"As world banks and heavy players in Uganda, Citibank and Barclays have a unique responsibility to speak out and help stop this dangerous legislation before it becomes law," said Citibank customer Collin Burton, who launched his campaign on Change.org. "Now, perhaps more than ever before, we need the international business community to step up and lead by the corporate values they tout on their websites. Human lives are counting on it."
Ugandan gay activists, while condemning the bill, point out that it has somehow helped the struggle for equality by pushing a once-taboo subject to the national agenda. This year Ugandan gays held their first pride parade.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/02/uganda-anti-gay-bill-death-penalty_n_2227333.html?ir=Gay+Voices&ref=topbar

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, a lesbian Ugandan and founder of the country's LGBT advocacy group Freedom and Roam Uganda (http://faruganda.wordpress.com/), has filmed a brief video speaking about the implications of the country's so-called Kill The Gays bill, which could come up for a parliamentary vote in the coming weeks. Truthloader (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rHm2cBJ3x7A#%21) posted the video Monday.
"What the bill is trying to do is just make it illegal for me to be who I am, for simply saying 'I am a lesbian,'" Nabagesera saysin the video.
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill was passed by a parliamentary committee earlier this month (http://www.advocate.com/politics/2012/11/25/uganda-antigay-bill-advances), and now sits (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/12/04/51571) at the top of the Parliament's Orders Papers, listed first under "Business to Follow." While it's unclear when, exactly, the bill will be debated, Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga promised (http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/10/31/watch-uganda-parliament-speaker-pushes-vote-kill-gays-bill) that the chamber will pass the bill as a "Christmas gift" to Ugandans who are "demanding it."
Despite widespread reports to the contrary, the death penalty has not been removed (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/11/23/51227) from the draft legislation. The bill still prescribes capital punishment for anyone found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/11/16/51026)," which includes repeat offenders, HIV-positive people, anyone who has sex with a minor, anyone who has sex with a person with a disability, or anyone who is intoxicated by "any drug, matter or thing with intent to stupefy overpower him or her so as to there by enable any person to have unlawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex." The bill also demands three-year prison sentences for any family member, friend, or neighbor who does not turn in a "known homosexual" to the police.
Watch Nabagesera explain the bill in her own words below.

Source: http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/12/05/watch-ugandan-lesbian-speak-against-kill-gays-bill

P.S: See source for video

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Uganda Passes Controversial Oil Bill, Moving Anti-Homosexuality Bill Up On Agenda

Jim Burroway

December 7th, 2012

The pro-government New Vision confirms it (http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/637944-oil-bill-passed.html):

After a series of debates and disagreement majorly over Clause 9 of the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Bill 2012. The Oil bill has eventually been passed Friday Afternoon. Details coming soon.
This is a distressing turn of events for many reasons. First, for the Ugandan people, this bill will effectively give President Yoweri Museveni sole discretion to decide who wins and who loses in awarding billions of dollars in valuable oil contracts as Uganda begins developing its newly-discovered oil reserves. Parliament is now out of the loop, with no oversight into how the decisions are made. This of course represents a massive new opening in Uganda’s already notoriously corrupt political culture. In essence, the Ugandan people’s oil will litterally be stolen out from under them.
It’s also distressing because, according to the published Order Papers (http://www.parliament.go.ug/new/index.php/parliamentary-business/order-paper) on the Parliament’s web site, there was no notice that Parliament was even going to meet today. Parliament typically does not meet on Mondays and Fridays. Consequently, just barely half (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/12/07/51712)of the House showed up for the vote.
Which is why the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is waiting in the wings. This oil grab has proved hightly unpopular with the media and the general public. Which means that it’s time for that distraction (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/12/06/51634) I’ve been warning you about, a distraction that could come as early as next Monday.

Source: http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/12/07/51735

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Desmond Tutu (http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2012/06/18/desmond-tutu-rock-star-equal-rights), the archbishop emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa, penned a poignant op-ed Wednesday calling on Uganda's members of parliament to stand up for the oppressed and reject the Anti-Homosexuality Bill (http://www.advocate.com/politics/2012/11/25/uganda-antigay-bill-advances), which would prescribe long-term imprisonment and even death for some LGBT people. The bill has been positioned (http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/11/21/ugandan-kill-gays-bill-appears-parliamentary-calendar) at the top of Parliament's list of "business to follow" for several weeks, and Speaker Rebecca Kadaga told (http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/11/12/ugandan-leader-says-antigay-bill-will-pass-year) reporters in November that she wants the bill passed as a "Christmas present" to Ugandans who are "demanding it."
The Rev. Tutu, who rose to sociopolitical prominence fighting to end the racial segregation of apartheid in South Africa, implored Ugandan leaders and laypeople to turn away from the hateful legislation.
"One thing that Ugandan legislators should know is that God does not discriminate among members of our family," writes Tutu. "God does not say black is better than white, or tall is better than short, or football players are better than basketball players, or Christians are better than Muslims… Or gay is better than straight. No. God says love one another; love your neighbor. God is for freedom, equality, and love."
In the editorial published in Ugandan newspaper The Daily Monitor (http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/To-Ugandan-MPs--God-does-not-discriminate-among-our-family/-/689364/1641946/-/item/0/-/157q3imz/-/index.html), Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, compared Uganda's so-called Kill The Gays bill to South Africa's apartheid and the mass extermination of Jewish people under the Nazi party.
"It is with supreme sorrow that I witness, to this day, the subjugation and repression of African brother and sisters whose only crime is the practice of love," writes Tutu. "Hate, in any form or shape, has no place in the house of God."
Tutu also challenges the notion that LGBTI Africans are a product of Western influence, pointing out that "LGBTI Africans have lived peacefully and productively beside us throughout history."

Source: http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/12/12/desmond-tutu-tells-ugandan-mps-god-does-not-discriminate

[TheGodlessUtopian]

As The Advocate reported yesterday (http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/12/13/ugandan-lgbt-leader-says-kill-gays-bill-could-die-tomorrow), Uganda's parliament adjourned for its winter break today, without voting on the controversial "Anti-Homosexuality Bill," which would call for the death penalty for some LGBT people, and life imprisonment of many others.
Jim Burroway at BoxTurtleBulletin (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2012/12/13/51932) noted an inaccuracy in an earlier Advocate report that declared the bill could "die a procedural death" as early as today. In fact, Burroway notes, this adjournment is only a vacation — the same Parliament will resume its business likely in January 2013, and will serve until 2016.
That means the bill can still come up for debate at any time Parliament is in session, though it notably moved from the top spot on Parliament's Orders Papers of "Business to Follow," to number seven, according to Burroway.
On a conference call yesterday, LGBT leader Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (http://www.sexualminoritiesuganda.net/), said that if and when the bill comes before Parliament, it is likely to pass.
"If this legislation comes before Parliament for debate, there is a lot of support from members of parliament, so definitely, it will be passed," said Mugisha. "And if this legislation is passed, it is sent over to the president of Uganda to sign. There has been rumor that the president of Uganda may not sign this legislation, and in that case, I think the president might sign this legislation. However, he might ask for this legislation to be reviewed, and watered down. Also, if he refused to sign this legislation and it has been rejected, our parliament can still pass the legislation if a certain percentage of parliament supports the legislation."
If that happens, Mugisha said he and his allies at SMUG and within Uganda's LGBT community are ready to challenge the law at the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.


Source: http://www.advocate.com/news/world-news/2012/12/14/ugandan-parliament-breaks-holiday-without-vote-kill-gays-bill

[Il Medico]

I highly doubt the US or UK will do much of anything, unless this becomes a big deal news item (which it won't of course). Even then I doubt they'll do much more than wag their finger at them.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Ugandan LGBTI Youth Group Founder Arrested for Homosexuality

By Melanie Nathan, Dec 31, 2012.


While many of us celebrate New Years Eve, our LGBTI family around the world suffer persecution and are unable to openly celebrate with their loved ones. Reports are coming in from Uganda that one of the founders of LGBTI group Youth on Rock Foundation, (YRF) was arrested by police officers today and charged with crimes relating to homosexuality. The named person is Kaweesi Joseph, who is currently, according to the reports, being held at Kawempe police station.
Frank Mugishu of SMUG has now confirmed that Kawesi Joseph, one of the founders of LGBTI group Youth on Rock Foundation was arrested by police officers. He is charged with “carnal knowledge (homosexuality)” and “recruiting youth into homosexuality.”
We have received information that attorneys have spoken with the Kawesi and that plans are being made to try and make bail. We will provide updates as we get them.
In the meantime it would seem to me that the police are preempting the Anti-Homosexuality Bill (AHB) (also known as The Kill the Gays Bill) which has been introduced into this parliament and has yet to pass and the arrest may be political as anti-gay catalysts for the Bill try and drum up more support for its passage. Although there is an existing law which people can be charged under for “carnal knowledge or defilement,” there is currently no law that speaks to the so called “recruitment” of homosexuals. While we all know such is impossible to do, the Ugandan AHB seeks to make the misnomer a crime.
If Kaweesi’s charges are pursued the facts may be difficult to prove and certainly the aspect of “recruitment” could be thrown out by a competent court of law.
UPDATED 01/02/2013.
Second Gay Youth Worker Arrested in Uganda (http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/01/02/second-gay-youth-worker-arrested-in-uganda/)

While trying to visit co-worker at police station – fear and panic setting in as Gays experience heightened persecution in Uganda

By Melanie Nathan, January 02, 2012. 10.20 AM PST
http://oblogdeeoblogda.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-02-at-10-28-37-am.png?w=190&h=230&h=138In a heightened ramp up of persecution of young Gay Ugandans, a young man Kabuye Najibu was arrested in Uganda a few hours ago, while visiting his co-worker who had been arrested just before the new year.
- A second arrest – http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/01/02/second-gay-youth-worker-arrested-in-uganda/


Source: http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2012/12/31/ugandan-lgbti-youth-group-founder-arrested-for-homosexuality/





David Cecil, the 34-year-old theater producer who had faced prison time for staging a gay play, The River and The Mountain, in Uganda despite an injunction, just got lucky. The courts in Uganda dropped all charges against Cecil and his passport was returned to him, according to Sky News (http://news.sky.com/story/1032524/uganda-gay-play-producer-david-cecil-freed). Arrested in September, Cecil lwas facing two years in prison for "disobeying lawful orders" in showing the play about LGBT folks. According to Sky News (http://news.sky.com/story/1032524/uganda-gay-play-producer-david-cecil-freed), little evidence was produced against the defendant, but more than 2.500 people — including celebs like Simon Callow and Stephen Fry — signed a petition to drop the charges
Source: http://www.advocate.com/crime/2013/01/02/charges-dropped-against-gay-play-producer-uganda

[DoCt SPARTAN]

It so disgusting how all this hate can come just because two men or women love each other! Such an oppressed racist nation!! The third world needs a real leader and revolutionary people!!:cursing: