Uganda's Anti-Gay Bill Threatens Human Rights
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: Yowen Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda
There is a dangerous proposal that threatens the human rights of LGBT people in Uganda.
If passed, Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill would start a witch-hunt for homosexuals in the country. Its punishments include:
* A 7 year jail sentence for consenting adults who have LGBT sex
* A life sentence for people in same-sex marriages
* Extradition and prosecution of LGBT Ugandans living abroad
* The death penalty for adults who have LGBT sex with minors or who communicate HIV via LGBT sex, regardless of condom usage
* Jail for anyone who doesn't report suspected LGBT activity within 24 hours
The bill also endangers HIV/AIDS programs, and may be exploited by those wanting to abolish these programs.
This proposed legislation is anti-ethical, anti-equality and anti-human rights. Tell Uganda's President Museveni that this bill is unacceptable, and that people should not be criminalized for sexual orientation or gender identity.
Although touted as a way to "uphold Uganda's integrity", the Anti-Homosexuality bill is a disturbing legislation that condones discrimination and violence against gay/lesbian citizens.
Passing this bill threatens human rights by executing punishments for gay/lesbian activity, including:
* A 7 year jail sentence for consenting adults who have gay/lesbian sex
* A life sentence for people in same-sex marriages
* Extradition and prosecution of gay/lesbian Ugandans living abroad
* The death penalty for adults who have gay/lesbian sex with minors or who communicate HIV via gay/lesbian sex, regardless of condom usage
* Jail for anyone who doesn't report suspected gay/lesbian activity within 24 hours
I believe these measures are unacceptable; people should not be criminalized for sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge you to eradicate this law and to denounce discrimination of Uganda's gay/lesbian community.
