{UAH} RED KAMUNYE: Museveni dubs Anti-Gay Act as “Fascist”; Vow to reject it, Plans to Introduce New Legislation
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A delegation from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human
Rights (RFK Center) sent this after meeting with President Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni today (January 18, 2014) at State House in Entebbe,
Uganda, to discuss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed by Uganda's
parliament on December 20, 2013.
Last month Kerry Kennedy, President of the RFK Center, and Archbishop
Desmond Tutu wrote to the President to express their concern over the
bill, requesting further discussion on the matter.
The delegation--comprised of Ms. Kennedy, Santiago A. Canton, Director
of RFK Partners for Human Rights, and Wade McMullen, Staff Attorney
for the RFK Center--expressed their grave concern over the legislation
that would further criminalize homosexual conduct, censor freedom of
expression, and ban civil society organizations working on LGBTI
issues in Uganda. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who joined the conversation
via telephone, similarly expressed his concern, stating that the
Anti-Homosexuality Bill was reminiscent of oppressive laws passed
under apartheid in South Africa.
President Museveni pledged to reject the bill as currently drafted,
calling the legislation "fascist." The President stated that he will
consult with his party and plans to introduce a new piece of
legislation aimed at protecting minors from being coerced into sexual
activity.
The RFK Center reiterated that the government should focus on
enforcing the Ugandan Penal Code provisions that already outlaw both
opposite-sex and same-sex sexual abuse of minors. Should new
legislation be introduced along the lines of the President's
suggestion, the RFK Center strongly advised that any bill should only
focus on strengthening current child protection measures, may not
discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation or
gender identity, and must fully respect the rights to freedom of
expression and freedom of association.
"I welcome President Museveni's decision to reject this hateful bill,"
said Archbishop Tutu. "It is time for our African brothers and sisters
to move past the antiquated notion that someone could be a criminal
for who they love."
In a March 2013 meeting at the President's personal residence in
Rwakitura, President Museveni promised the RFK Center that he would
not sign any bill that discriminates against any individual.
"I am pleased that President Museveni has upheld his promise to reject
any piece of discriminatory legislation," said Ms. Kennedy. "While we
are concerned with plans to move forward with a new bill, we urge the
President to ensure it will not discriminate against LGBTI people nor
imperil the legitimate work of human rights defenders in the country."
###
The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights (RFK Center)
was founded in 1968 by Robert Kennedy's family and friends as a living
memorial to carry forward his vision of a more just and peaceful
world. RFK Partners for Human Rights engages in strategic long-term
partnerships with RFK Human Rights Award Laureates, augmenting the
effectiveness of grassroots leaders to support sustainable social
justice movements.
Supplied to Robert Atuhairwe
--
"TRY TO GROW UP!" "TINYEJJUSA" WHEN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SAYS 'ORDERS
FROM ABOVE' HE MEANS ME
Rights (RFK Center) sent this after meeting with President Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni today (January 18, 2014) at State House in Entebbe,
Uganda, to discuss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed by Uganda's
parliament on December 20, 2013.
Last month Kerry Kennedy, President of the RFK Center, and Archbishop
Desmond Tutu wrote to the President to express their concern over the
bill, requesting further discussion on the matter.
The delegation--comprised of Ms. Kennedy, Santiago A. Canton, Director
of RFK Partners for Human Rights, and Wade McMullen, Staff Attorney
for the RFK Center--expressed their grave concern over the legislation
that would further criminalize homosexual conduct, censor freedom of
expression, and ban civil society organizations working on LGBTI
issues in Uganda. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who joined the conversation
via telephone, similarly expressed his concern, stating that the
Anti-Homosexuality Bill was reminiscent of oppressive laws passed
under apartheid in South Africa.
President Museveni pledged to reject the bill as currently drafted,
calling the legislation "fascist." The President stated that he will
consult with his party and plans to introduce a new piece of
legislation aimed at protecting minors from being coerced into sexual
activity.
The RFK Center reiterated that the government should focus on
enforcing the Ugandan Penal Code provisions that already outlaw both
opposite-sex and same-sex sexual abuse of minors. Should new
legislation be introduced along the lines of the President's
suggestion, the RFK Center strongly advised that any bill should only
focus on strengthening current child protection measures, may not
discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation or
gender identity, and must fully respect the rights to freedom of
expression and freedom of association.
"I welcome President Museveni's decision to reject this hateful bill,"
said Archbishop Tutu. "It is time for our African brothers and sisters
to move past the antiquated notion that someone could be a criminal
for who they love."
In a March 2013 meeting at the President's personal residence in
Rwakitura, President Museveni promised the RFK Center that he would
not sign any bill that discriminates against any individual.
"I am pleased that President Museveni has upheld his promise to reject
any piece of discriminatory legislation," said Ms. Kennedy. "While we
are concerned with plans to move forward with a new bill, we urge the
President to ensure it will not discriminate against LGBTI people nor
imperil the legitimate work of human rights defenders in the country."
###
The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights (RFK Center)
was founded in 1968 by Robert Kennedy's family and friends as a living
memorial to carry forward his vision of a more just and peaceful
world. RFK Partners for Human Rights engages in strategic long-term
partnerships with RFK Human Rights Award Laureates, augmenting the
effectiveness of grassroots leaders to support sustainable social
justice movements.
Supplied to Robert Atuhairwe
--
"TRY TO GROW UP!" "TINYEJJUSA" WHEN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SAYS 'ORDERS
FROM ABOVE' HE MEANS ME
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