Gay men in Uganda have learned to “grin and bear” the taunts, slurs and other daily harassment of neighbors, family and friends. But if a new bill proposed in the east African nation becomes law, homosexual men could be put away for life, or worse, put to death.
“Right now, you can’t go to places that are crowded, because the mob can attack us or even burn us,” said Frank Mugisha, a gay Ugandan man. “We can’t walk alone. We are ostracized by relatives. But if this bill passes, it will become impossible for me to live here at all. And that part hurts the most.” The Anti-Homosexuality Bill features several provisions that human rights groups say would spur a witch hunt of homosexuals in the country:
• Gays and lesbians convicted of having gay sex would be sentenced, at minimum, to life in prison
• People who test positive for HIV may be executed• Homosexuals who have sex with a minor, or engage in homosexual sex more than once, may also receive the death penalty• The bill forbids the “promotion of homosexuality,” which in effect bans organizations working in HIV and AIDS prevention• Anyone who knows of homosexual activity taking place but does not report it would risk up to three years in prison
World Health officials are naturally concerned, asking the very important question: who will go get HIV testing if he knows he will suffer a death sentence? But Lawmakers are undeterred, claiming they are intent on passing the bill before year’s end. It has the blessing of many Muslim and Christian religious leaders, in a country where a July poll found 95% opposed to legalizing homosexuality. Several media outlets have also joined in inflaming sentiments in recent months by publicly pointing out gays and lesbians. In April, the Observer newspaper published tips to help readers spot homosexuals. And over the summer, the Red Pepper tabloid outed 45 gays and lesbians.
In the United States, a coalition of Christian leaders have released a statement denouncing the bill. “Regardless of the diverse theological views of our religious traditions regarding the morality of homosexuality, in our churches, communities and families, we seek to embrace our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as God’s children, worthy of respect and love,” the statement read. Human rights groups have also called on Western nations to withhold aid from Uganda if the measure passes.
