Most of Europe and the United States are either now more or less tolerant of homosexuality or at least places where it is "not an issue" for the majority of heterosexuals, who, after all, are the overwhelming majority of the population
It seems to me that although a lot of African Americans get angry when the comparison is made, ( usually with the refrain "I can't hide the fact that I'm black") this is just another chapter in the struggle for human rights in the world
21 February 2014
Last updated at 20:10 ET
Mr Museveni's spokesman said the president would not sign the law until he had received the scientific advice.
Last week he said he had decided to sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which parliament has passed.
The US - one of Uganda's largest aid donors - has warned that enacting the bill would complicate relations.
President Barack Obama described it as an affront, and a danger to, Uganda's gay community.
BBC regional analyst Richard Hamilton says President Museveni is trying to please a conservative local constituency while avoiding alienating Western aid donors.
The law would also make it a
crime not to report gay people.
'Abnormal'
Uganda: Museveni 'seeks US advice on homosexuality'
Gay rights activists have strongly condemned the bill
President
Yoweri Museveni is asking the US to advise Uganda's scientists about
homosexuality, as he considers whether to sign a law increasing
punishments.
Last week he said he had decided to sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which parliament has passed.
The US - one of Uganda's largest aid donors - has warned that enacting the bill would complicate relations.
President Barack Obama described it as an affront, and a danger to, Uganda's gay community.
BBC regional analyst Richard Hamilton says President Museveni is trying to please a conservative local constituency while avoiding alienating Western aid donors.
President Yoweri Museveni says he wants to know whether homosexuality is a choice or genetic
Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda. Under the proposed legislation, those convicted could face life imprisonment.The law would also make it a
crime not to report gay people.
'Abnormal'
In a statement, Mr Museveni said:
"I... encourage the US government to help us by working with our
scientists to study whether, indeed, there are people who are born
homosexual.
"When that is proved, we can review this legislation."
Presidential spokesman Tamale Mirundi told Reuters news agency the bill would be on hold for now "until more conclusive research is done, and that's what the president is saying".
Mr Museveni originally refused to sign the bill, saying that it was wrong to punish people who were born "abnormal".
But then government officials said Ugandan scientists had advised him that homosexuality was a behavioural choice.
The scientists' report said there was no definitive gene for homosexuality but it was not an "abnormality" and it could be influenced by environmental factors.
"The practise needs regulation like any other human behaviour, especially to protect the vulnerable,"
it said.
The private member's bill originally proposed the death penalty
for some offences, such as if a minor was involved or the perpetrator
was HIV-positive, but that clause has been dropped.
Uganda already has legislation banning gay sex between men, but the proposed law sharply tightens restrictions - and covers lesbians for the first time.
Promotion of homosexuality - even talking about it without condemning it - would also be punishable by a prison sentence.
"When that is proved, we can review this legislation."
Presidential spokesman Tamale Mirundi told Reuters news agency the bill would be on hold for now "until more conclusive research is done, and that's what the president is saying".
Mr Museveni originally refused to sign the bill, saying that it was wrong to punish people who were born "abnormal".
But then government officials said Ugandan scientists had advised him that homosexuality was a behavioural choice.
The scientists' report said there was no definitive gene for homosexuality but it was not an "abnormality" and it could be influenced by environmental factors.
"The practise needs regulation like any other human behaviour, especially to protect the vulnerable,"
it said.
In December a gay rights campaigner spoke of her fears about the legislation
Uganda already has legislation banning gay sex between men, but the proposed law sharply tightens restrictions - and covers lesbians for the first time.
Promotion of homosexuality - even talking about it without condemning it - would also be punishable by a prison sentence.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment-- or suggestions, particularly of topics and places you'd like to see covered