Uganda anti-gay law is state homophobia (Ilford South Liberal Democrats)

Ilford South Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Uganda anti-gay law is state homophobia

December 16, 2009 12:27 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

The European Parliament will tomorrow debate as a breach of human rights proposed anti-homosexual legislation in Uganda introducing a series of draconian punishments for gay people.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford is Vice Chair of the Liberal Democrat LGBT group (DELGA) and an active member of the European Parliament lesbian & gay rights intergroup. She said:

"This appalling draft law is no less than institutionalised state homophobia. It is horrifying that the parliament of Uganda, a Commonwealth country, is even considering such an atrocious violation of personal freedoms and international human rights."

"The obligation on all citizens to report even possible gay sexual activity will certainly spur a vicious yet legal witch hunt for homosexuals."

"It is the responsibility of all liberal democratic governments and parliamentarians to condemn this draft law and warn Uganda that there will be diplomatic, legal and other consequences if these horrendous measures are implemented."

ENDS

Note for editors

The Ugandan parliament is on the brink of passing legislation imposing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of having gay sex, 3 years in jail for anyone who fails to report a case of possible gay sexual activity to the police within 24 hours and the death penalty for anyone convicted of having gay sex more than once, while being HIV positive, with under-18s or disabled people. These proposals could become law before the end of the year.