“Gay Rights are Human Rights”, but Uganda to debate again anti-gay bill

di Alessandro Batazzi

On 6 December, 2011, International Human Rights Day, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that “gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights”[1]. Recognizing the challenges faced by the LGBT community in the United States, where people of all ages suffer violence, harassment, bullying, insults and ignorance, Ms. Clinton identified this sensible issue as one to be discussed and tackled by the international community to reach a global consensus on human rights.

The US has in fact had interesting news on matter, as Washington State Governor Mr. Chris Gregoire signed into law a bill that recognizes same-sex marriage in the state[2]. The law takes effect on June 7, and opposition groups have until then to try to stop it through various legislative procedures, but the event does come as a victory to gay rights supporters.

Unfortunately, while this happens in the United States, an anti-gay bill will be discussed once again by the Uganda Parliament.

The original text, that caused international outcry and was called “odious” by US President Obama[3], was amended to remove the death penalty for people found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality”. Homosexuality is already criminalized in Uganda, where people charged with engaging in homosexual acts can be jailed for 14 years. The new provision will provide for life in prison instead.

Reports are coming in from Uganda on alleged increased violence towards homosexual as the bill was brought up again. It remains to be seen whether international pressure will be able to stop the legislative process once again. However, the outcry could not prevent the murder in January 2011 of David Kato, of the lobby group Sexual Minorities Uganda. The police stated the murder was the result of a robbery; others called it a hate crime. Nonetheless, the priest at his funeral condemned gay people to hell.

[1] Secretary Clinton: December 2011, Remarks in Recognition of International Human Rights Day, « Remarks in Recognition of International Human Rights Day”, http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178368.htm

[2] La Corte, R. “Washington Gay Marriage Bill Signed Into Law By Governor Chris Gregoire”, The Huffington Post, 13 Feb. 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/13/washington-gay-marriage-signed-chris-gregoire_n_1273887.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

[3] Reuters, “Obama condemns Uganda anti-gay bill as ‘odious’”, 4 Feb. 2012, http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/02/04/us-uganda-gays-obama-idUSTRE6134EZ20100204