March 20, 2011 | Sex & Society

Debate on Uganda's 'kill the gays' bill to begin

Next week Ugandan politicians will begin debate on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The bill, if passed in its current form, would allow for the death penalty of gays and lesbians in certain instances.

The process will begin with public hearings where 'stakeholders' will get a chance to present their arguments for or against the bill. The aim is to have a vote on the bill before this session of parliament ends in two months.

David Bahati, pushing for a first class ticket to hell, is the man behind the law. He promised he would fight for the bill until it was passed.

One of the bill's promoters, Ethics and Integrity Minister James Nsaba Buturo, will have to continue his support on the sidelines. He was not re-elected during February's general elections, and was forced to resign from his current governmental post. 

"Homosexuality in Uganda and Africa as a whole is a taboo. How can a man sleep with a fellow man or a woman with a fellow woman. How can they produce children?" he asked during his announcement.

Uganda may want to reconsider the bill, however, as the country is heavily dependent on foreign aid.

A committee in the US House of Representatives recently approved a motion that would end any aid being sent to overtly homophobic countries. Its conclusion: "The Committee urges Treasury to advocate that governments receiving assistance from the multilateral development institutions do not engage in gross violations of human rights, for example, the denial of freedom of religion, including the right to choose one’s own religion, and physical persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Dr Charles Tannock, the foreign affairs and human rights spokesman for the Tories in Europe, argued: “Financial aid to African countries must be reciprocated with progress on fundamental human rights on that continent.”

We think Uganda will ultimately do the right thing ... once it realizes that serious money is involved.

Ugandan MPs to Debate Deadly "Kill the Gays" Bill [The Advocate]

Uganda: Anti-gay minister of ethics and integrity resigns [Afrik-News]

US House committee approves measure for aid cut to anti-gay countries [PinkNews]