World
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The Ugandan embassies of France and the United States publicly condemned Uganda's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill on Monday, but officials in the African nation plan to move forward with the discriminatory legislation.
"France expresses deep concern regarding the bill currently before the Ugandan parliament," the French foreign ministry said in a statement sent to Agence France-Presse in Kampala. "France reiterates its commitment to the decriminalization of homosexuality and the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity."
The bill would amplify the country's antigay laws, including criminalizing any public discussion of homosexuality and penalizing individuals who knowingly rented property to a homosexual.
Also on Monday, Joann Lockard, the Ugandan embassy's public affairs officer, stated disapproval of the proposed legislation.
"If adopted, a bill further criminalizing homosexuality would constitute a significant step backwards for the protection of human rights in Uganda," Lockard said in an e-mail, reports AFP. "We urge states to take all necessary measures to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests, or detention."
There has been no official word from the U.S. federal government, but Human Rights Watch reported that four members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including out congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, have written to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the bill.
The representatives want Clinton to denounce the bill, arguing that its passage would undermine the effectiveness of American taxpayer funds spent in Uganda to help curb HIV and AIDS.
In an article published in Uganda's Observer newspaper on Monday, the author of the bill, lawmaker David Bahati, argued that "homosexuality is not a human right."
"The fact that the moral fabric of America and Europe has been put under siege by the supporters of this creeping evil of homosexuality should not suggest that we follow suit," said Bahati, reports AFP.
Uganda's minister for ethics and integrity, James Nsaba Buturo, said last week that Uganda has no intention of heeding the advice of foreigners on the issue of homosexuality.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
60 wild photos from Folsom Street East that prove New York City knows how to play
June 21 2024 12:25 PM
Melania Trump cashed six-figure check to speak to gay Republicans at Mar-a-Lago
August 16 2024 5:57 PM
Latest Stories
Gay U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen bridges divide in rural Illinois
November 01 2024 3:38 PM
For trans people reliant on federal programs, this election could change everything
November 01 2024 3:36 PM
Donald Trump threatens Liz Cheney with guns 'trained on her face:' The full context
November 01 2024 3:22 PM
Jill Stein's running mate, Butch Ware, caught in transphobic comments
November 01 2024 3:06 PM
These 24 violent extremist & anti-LGBTQ+ advocacy groups pose a danger to LGBTQ+ people
November 01 2024 2:45 PM
Iconic Harris-Walz camo hat costume dazzles D.C.’s pre-Election Day High Heel Race
November 01 2024 2:36 PM
New York Dem Ritchie Torres discusses the fight for LGBTQ+ representation as election looms
November 01 2024 2:22 PM
Texas Republican leader openly uses 'gay' and the R-word as insults, faces no consequences
November 01 2024 12:16 PM
The Advocate saved my life. Here's how you can support our important work.
November 01 2024 10:59 AM
Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig battles for reelection to continue path toward LGBTQ+ equality
November 01 2024 10:54 AM
Mark Takano is leading the charge for LGBTQ+ representation and equality in Congress for 2024
November 01 2024 10:48 AM
Equalpride launches The Advocates with Sonia Baghdady
November 01 2024 9:00 AM