Uganda's Anti-gay Legislation

Russia’s position on gay rights and propaganda sparked an outrage amongst people as the Olympics drew closer and the United States reacted by heading their delegation with openly gay athletes and supporters. Now with Uganda proposing to pass anti-gay legislation President Obama warns Uganda’s leader President Museveni of the impact the law could have on the country’s relations with the U.S. This law would states that any individual convicted of committing homosexual acts would face life in prison. It also states that if an individual is aware of these acts taking place and does not report them then they are also subject to punishment, as well as promoting it, or even talking about it without condemning it. Originally the bill contained the death penalty if a minor was involved in the act or even if one participant was HIV positive, but that clause was dropped. With the U.S. being one of Uganda’s top aid contributors Obama’s threat to cut aid could have a major impact if it is followed through. President Museveni stated a month ago that he will not pass the law.  One of the President’s spoke people said that “The president believed that gay people are sick but that he did not believe they should be killed, or jailed for life.” However, even if the president does not pass the legislation it could still become a law with a two-third majority vote from parliament. Many different countries that make up the African continent homosexuality is illegal. It will be interesting to see if their parliament will force the legislation through and the reaction that our country will have.