Jewish Group Creates Ugandan Fund

The American Jewish World Service, an international development and human rights organization, announced Friday that it has established the Urgent LGBT Uganda Fund to support gay and lesbian grassroots groups in the African nation.

Responding to the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which could imposed the death penalty or life imprisonment on gays, the AJWS set up the fund and created a website for individuals to donate to it.

"AJWS's work is propelled by a very basic value: the essential dignity of every human being," AJWS president Ruth Messinger said in a release. "Through the creation of the 'Urgent LGBT Uganda Fund,' in conjunction with our broader advocacy efforts, AJWS is taking the lead in the Jewish community and in the broader faith-based community to ensure that all people -- regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity -- can realize their full, true selves."