Report: Bush Administration Funding Anti-Gay Groups in Uganda
Two disturbing reports from Uganda, where a cabinet minister warned gays and lesbians to leave the country.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission—which previously reported state-sanctioned homophobia across Africa—now uncovers evidence the George W. Bush Administration is funding religious organizations in Uganda that "actively promote violence and discrimination against lesbians and gay men."
The IGLHRC says one of the primary architects of this summer backlash against Ugandan gays was Pastor Martin Ssempa, leader of the Makerere University Community Church and spokesman for the Interfaith Family Culture Coalition Against Homosexuality in Uganda. "According to the U.S. Embassy in Uganda's website, Makerere University Community Church received a grant under a program designed to provide funds for AIDS prevention, treatment and care programs in Africa." Members of his group have threatened Ugandan LGBT rights activists and posted their names, photos and addresses on a website.
Meanwhile, the nation's leading and official voice against gays continues his hate speech. The Minister for Ethics and Integrity, James Nsaba Buturo, says the government will oppose efforts in parliament to decriminalize homosexuality in Uganda, where it is illegal and punishable by between 14 years and life imprisonment. Buturo says those pressing for gay rights are "trying to impose a strange, ungodly, unhealthy, unnatural, and immoral way of life on the rest of our society."
More Uganda coverage here.
Rights Group Accuses Bush Admin. of Funding African Violent Attacks On Gays [365 Gay]
Buturo Vows to Fight Homosexuality [All Africa]
Uganda's gay Witchhunt Continues [Doug Ireland]
Some Background ...
Uganda Ethics Minister Advises Gays to Leave [R20]
Report: "Abstinence Only" Policy Spreads HIV, Death [R20]
Here's a quote by Jesus that all gay people need to remember: "Beware of false prophets." Now, spread that message around. My 11th grade students would be able to see that those people who spread such vicious hate, are really agents of the devil who pretend to represent God. If any gay person with any type of common sense or self esteem, really think people like that represent God, they need to go see a psychiatrist. "Beware of false prophets." That's a powerful statement. Spread that statement to the next person.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 12 October 2007 at 05:38