Over the last month, there has become increasing international awareness about the horrific proposed anti-gay legislation in Uganda. Britain Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken directly to the President of Uganda to express his outrage over the proposed bill. The French foreign minister has officially protested to the Ugandan government. The European Union has condemned its possible passage. The Prime Minister of Canada has expressed outrage. LGBT groups around the world have rallied their forces in an attempt to derail the efforts to pass this noxious legislation.
Ironically, seemingly, the most silent place in the world in condemning this legislation is the United States of America. Secretary of State Clinton condemned in broad terms any international "homophobia" that interferes with HIV/AIDS work but with no mention of Uganda. Like Maine, this one is so serious we need to hear from the President and hear soon.
So what is all this fuss about? Is it much ado about nothing that will quickly pass and be one of those political 'flash in the pans?'
No, far from it. The legislation being proposed and likely to be passed in Uganda is of the highest urgency and priority. The long term consequences if it passes are devastating both here and abroad.
Let's take a look at exactly what this legislation does:
-anyone convicted of having homosexual relations would minimally be sentenced to life imprisonment!
-if the person is either HIV positive or a 'serial offender' the law requires the death penalty.
-listen to this one: if a person KNOWS of someone who has had gay sex and refuses to report it to the authorities within 24 hours they can get three years in prison.
The aim of the Uganda government is to pass the legislation within the next month and the President says he will sign it. If this becomes law, not only will the implications for the tens of thousand so homosexuals in Uganda be disastrous, the likelihood is that we will see these efforts quickly spread to other third world nations through the network of Christian Evangelists.
Even good old Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church who President Obama had pray over us all at his swearing-in, has refused to condemn the legislation! Seems his compassionate approach to homosexuality doesn't extend to condemning the death penalty for homosexuals or opposing Proposition 8. When are Democratic elected officials going to stop empowering this man as if he isn't doing incredible damage to our lives?
What is now extremely clear is that the effort in Uganda has been spearheaded by many in the American evangelistic movement which explains Warren's refusal to condemn the measure. No longer is it a stretch to believe that they are behind the legislation, the evidence is now clear. The major force seems to be "The Family" which sponsors the National Prayer Breakfast. Will elected officials continue to mindlessly gobble down eggs and bacon while praying with people who are organizing for the death plenty for gays?
Talented writer and columnist Wayne Besen has been in the forefront of exposing the links to "The Family" and you should read his amazing work. Just click here.
What is happening in Uganda is critical to the well being of the LGBT community around the world. President Barack Obama missed helping us on Maine but maybe he can understand the ramifications of this legislation and join Prime Minister Brown, The European Union, France, Canada and others in condemning this legislation and directly contacting Ugandan officials. Hell, maybe he can even get Rick Warren to help him out.
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