500,000 petition against Uganda's anti-gay HIV-hate law

posted: 09/03/2010

Half a million people signed a petition delivered to the Ugandan Parliament Speaker Edward Ssekandi on March 1 opposing the proposed law that would jail gays for life and punish men with HIV with the death penalty.
The petition came from HIV-positive Anglican priest, Canon Gideon Byamugisha, along with other religious leaders and HIV activists, including former Anglican Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo.

"In the interests of safer, healthier, more peaceful, and more prosperous lives for all Ugandans; we as Aids Service Providers, pastors and spiritual mentors of all Ugandans are calling for the withdrawal of this Bill from Parliament," the petition read in part. "We are united in opposing this Bill because if passed into law it threatens the health, peace and well being of Ugandan citizens and goes against the Ugandan Constitution."

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 would
• jail for life anyone convicted of the ‘offense’ of homosexuality,
• punish ‘aggravated homosexuality’ – which means anyone who is HIV-positive and has gay sex -- with the death penalty,
• forbid the ‘promotion of homosexuality,’
• lock up gay-rights campaigners, and
• jail people in positions of authority for up to three years for failing to report within 24 hours all LGBT people or sympathisers they know.

Source

Our other reports

Uganda Spins on HIV Death Penalty?

posted: 08/01/2010

A Ugandan minister says the government will ask the MP (David Bahati - who tabled the proposed anti-gay law as a private member's bill) to withdraw the 'aggravating' clauses that require the death penalty - such as for people with HIV.

Minister of State for Investment Aston Kajara said late on Thursday that the government fears a backlash from foreign investors over the bill, which has provoked criticism from gay rights groups and protests in London, New York and Washington. Kajara says the proposed bill tarnishes Uganda's image.

President Yoweri Museveni has told colleagues he believes the bill is too harsh and has encouraged the ruling party to overturn the death sentence provision, which would apply to sexually active gays living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape.

Source

But the very well informed Ugandan blog GayUganda says this is largely Ugandan government spin. This blog has links to the text of the draft law.

The blogger appeals for continued pressure from outside Uganda:

'So, please, all out there, do one thing. Continue the heat. Because the battle is being fought in Public Opinion, and political circles OUTSIDE Uganda. Please continue the heat, the pressure on YOUR politicians.

Christians out there, your role is still big. This bill is in the Name of Christ. I do know that the government is feeling the pressure.'

More about the Ugandan anti-gay law proposals on our two earlier reports

- first report

- second report

Image source

Report and videos of London protests at Uganda House