Death Penalty for Gays?

Uganda debates proposal

KAMPALA, UGANDA
(article from today's Canton Repository----CantonRep.com/world)

Proposed legislation would impose the death penalty for some Ugandans, and their family and friends could face up to seven years in jail if they fail to report them to authorities. Even landlords could be imprisoned for renting to homosexuals.

Gay rights activists say the bill, which has prompted growing international opposition, promotes hatred and could set back efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. They believe the bill is part of a continent wide backlash because Africa's gay community is becoming more vocal.

It is a question of visibility," said David Cato, who became an activist after he was beaten up four times, arrested twice, fired from his teaching job and outed in the press because he is gay. "when we come out and ask for our rights, they pass laws against us."

The legislation has drawn global attention from activists across the spectrum of views on gay issues. The measure was proposed in Uganda following a visit by leaders of U.S. Conservative Christian Ministries that promote therapy for gays to become heterosexual. However, at least one of those leaders has denounced the bill, as have some other conservative and liberal Christians in the United States.

Gay rights activists say the legislation is likely to pass. But the bill is still being debated and could undergo changes before a vote, which has not yet been set.

Gay rights activists abroad are focusing on the legislation. A protest against the bill is planned for Thursday in London; protests were held last month in New York and Washington.

Uganda is not the only country considering anti-gay laws. Nigeria, where homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment or death, is considering strengthening penalties for activities deemed to promote it. Burundi just banned same sex and Rwanda is considering it. Homophobia is rife even in more tolerant African countries.

What this legislation could mean

• DEATH SENTENCE: for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same sex rape.


• SEVEN YEARS: in prison for anyone who "aids, abiets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality", or for landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals.


• THREE Years: for anyone with "religious, political, economic or social authority" who fails to report anyone violating these acts.

Well after reading that article I was just enraged to say the least. What ever to the idea of "Never Again"? What happened to the right to the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What the heck did those right wing conservatives tell the people in Uganda and why couldn't they mind there own business? It sounds very Holocaust in feel all over again if you ask me. I ask all of you do take a stand and DO SOMETHING! Write letters to congressmen, your senators even the President of the United States. Something needs to be done and done now! Get involved--my final thought is this poem-----

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.