The notorious bill moving through Uganda's legislature that would render homosexuality a crime punishable by death in some cases may come up for a vote this week, the AP reported Monday. The main backer of the bill, Ugandan lawmaker David Bahati, told the AP that the death penalty clause is "something we have moved away from." But there has been no official announcement that it has been dropped. Homosexuality is alreadywidely condemned in Uganda, a nation where tabloid newspapers attempt to "name and shame" gays and lesbians by running their names on the front page with banner headlines that say "hang them."
Under the original draft of the bill, which could be revised before a final vote, anyone convicted of committing a homosexual act could face life in prison. Anyone who "aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage of acts of homosexuality" – including landlords who rent to gays and lesbians — could face up to 7 years in prison.
AllOut has a petition to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni urging him to vow to veto the bill. Click here to add your name.
No comments:
Post a Comment