Uganda’s Anti-Homosexual Bill: A Threat to All Ugandans

Mr. Rocky Galloway and Mr. Reggie Stanley received a marriage license in Washington D.C. yesterday morning and described the day of their union as similar to “Christmas morning.” The District of Columbia has become the sixth US jurisdiction to permit same-sex marriage. Halfway around the world, homosexual couples in Uganda are facing a situation far from yuletide gaiety: imprisonment or even death.

On October 14, 2009 Ugandan Member of Parliament David Bahati proposed an Anti-Homosexuality Bill to be passed into law.  The bill has gained attention both here in Uganda and internationally, supported by some and abhorred by others.  Both sides have presented arguments in support of their views: those supporting the bill see homosexuality as an encroachment by Western society and a threat to traditional African culture and family structure; those against the bill consider it a violation of the Ugandan constitution and of Uganda’s human rights obligations.

So let’s start with the basics of the bill.  The main objectives are to define marriage as only between a man and a woman, prohibit and penalize homosexual behavior, prohibit the formation of any organization that supports homosexual interests, and prohibit Uganda from supporting any pro-gay international treaty.  The bill specifies that those committing homosexual acts are liable to receive life imprisonment and, under certain circumstances, the death penalty.  Anyone that counsels or aids those committing homosexual acts will receive seven years in prison.  The law also requires any individual that knows of any homosexual act to report it to the relevant authorities within 24 hours; failure to do so will land you in jail for 3 years.

Now I understand those of you reading this have a wide-range of opinions about homosexuality and I will now make mine quite clear: I am an avid gay rights supporter.  For numerous reasons.  Yet the purpose of this entry is not to try and persuade you to adopt my viewpoints; it is to help you understand the absurd and uncompassionate nature of this bill.  The ramifications if it were passed, would extend far beyond individual homosexuals living in Kampala to every Ugandan citizen.

First, let us consider the consequences of harsh punishments to those discovered to be homosexuals (even though the process of providing evidence of homosexual acts is a complete invasion of privacy and an unrealistic endeavor).  Uganda is often praised for its progress in the battle against the AIDS epidemic with infection rates falling from about 15% in 1991 to 5% in 2001.  With the passing of the bill, homosexuals would be driven underground, preventing them from receiving adequate healthcare, and likely increasing the overall HIV infection rates, undoing some of the progress made over the last decades.

Second, please reflect on the implications of a law requiring individuals to report homosexual activity of others or else face punishment themselves.  Many leaders in Ugandan society fear that this will force neighbors, friends, professionals, and family members to spy on one another, creating a system of civilian surveillance similar to that which was in place under dictator Idi Amin.  Also, the bill will force professionals that speak to individuals in confidence including teachers, religious leaders, doctors, and counselors to disclose the sexual orientation of those that have trusted them.  In addition, Ugandans may be falsely accused of being a homosexual by their enemies or competitors, resulting in a damaged reputation and potential imprisonment.

Finally, the implications the bill will have in Uganda’s dealings with other nations and international organizations must be considered.  Many nations have threatened to withdraw all financial support from Uganda if the bill passes including Sweden who provides $50 million annually.  The bill also requires Uganda to withdraw from any international agreement that is “contradictory to the spirit and provisions” of the bill, resulting in Uganda’s rejection of numerous international treaties including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  When such a pivotal document is revoked, what other human rights will be targeted next?  Talk about a slippery slope.

In a country where daily headlines describe countless acts of corruption, the overwhelming inadequacy of provided healthcare, the lack of a true democracy, the effects of poorly run schools, and the frequency of such heinous acts as rape and murder, persecution of homosexuals is a ridiculous waste of time and resources.  I hope this is evident no matter what stance you take on gay rights.  Ugandan leaders need to be focused on improving the lives of all Ugandans not ruining the lives of a few… or taking the lives of those few, for that matter.

I have provided the link to a petition sponsored by Avaaz, an international activist group gathering signatures against the bill  in the links on the right.  Please consider signing.

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