Uganda presses on with anti-gay bill

[ccharles000]

(Kampala) The Ugandan government vowed to move forward with a bill that would toughen the country’s already harsh punishment of homosexuality.

Sex between two people of the same sex already is a criminal offense in Uganda - punishable by life imprisonment - although there are no records of any recent convictions.

Now the government is prepared to expand the law, making it a criminal offense to be gay. The legislation would make any public display of being gay a crime.

International human rights and LGBT groups have called on Kampala to drop the bill and repeal the sodomy law.

Last week, about 20 gays and lesbians staged a rally in the capital denouncing the government. One woman said she was publicly stripped naked and taunted by a pastor and his congregation as they attempted to exorcise her.

On the weekend the government rejected the criticism.

“Many lies are being peddled,” Ethics and Integrity Minister James Nsaba Buturo told a news conference. ” Such lies include foolish claims that some people are born as homosexuals. They are busy enticing Ugandans to join them. This is causing great concern among Ugandans.”

Nsaba Buturo also told reporters that the government has instructed its ambassador to the United Nations to oppose any resolution that would support homosexuality in Uganda.

“Yesterday, I spoke to Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda and reminded him of Uganda’s position, which opposes legalization of homosexuality. It is the duty of Ugandans to be vigilant because agents of immorality are busy using all lies and deceptions to hurt our society,” he said.

http://www.365gay.com/news/uganda-presses-on-with-anti-gay-bill/

[theoldman]

1. The greatest increase in the Christian religion is in Africa.

The increase is the result of many fundamentalist preacher spreading the word. Any previous religious freedom will disappear.

[ccharles000]

2. kick