President Obama says the bill could “complicate” relations with US
In some of the strongest language that President Barack Obama has used towards another country in regard to LGBT rights, the president chided Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s plans to enact a bill that would criminalize homosexuality.
The bill prescribes a life sentence for acts of “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes sex acts where one of the partners is infected with HIV, or non-consensual sex. Particularly concerning is the life sentence for repeated sexual offenses among consenting same-sex adults. Ugandans can also face prison time for not reporting their LGBT neighbors to the authorities.
The statement by President Obama condemns the bill:
As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights. We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.
That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalize homosexuality. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda. It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people. It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights.
As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda. At a time when, tragically, we are seeing an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons.
Image via Daniel Borman. Used under Creative Commons license.