Uganda's new anti-LGBTQ bill grew out of a poisonous American seed

[Nevilledog]

https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/uganda-anti-lgbtq-bill-rcna76630

In condemning a law the Uganda Parliament just passed that imposes life imprisonment for gay sex, the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and makes it a crime to even identify as LGBTQ, the White House this week called the measure from the East African nation “one of the most extreme” anti-LGBTQ laws in the world and said that “no one should be attacked, imprisoned or killed simply because of who they are or who they love.” Uganda President Yoweri Mouseveni is expected to sign the bill into law. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday “there might be repercussions that we would have to take.”

But President Joe Biden has passed up previous opportunities to penalize Uganda for other alleged human rights offenses. Last year, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, formally requested that Biden revoke an invitation he’d sent Mouseveni for last year’s U.S.—Africa Leader’s Summit. Not only did Mouseveni attend, but he was also gifted a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who says she met with Mouseveni to “reiterate the importance of democratic institutions.”

The relationship between the United States and Uganda is complicated by the political power that American evangelicals have exerted there. Yes, the same political movement that once campaigned against gay marriage protections and is now campaigning against drag queen story time has now spent millions of dollars over the past decades pushing an anti-LGBTQ agenda throughout African countries — and in Uganda in particular.

American evangelical missionaries arrived in Uganda in the 1980s. They built medical clinics and schools as part of a strategic effort to prompt a religious revival in the developing world. The 1980s also marked the start of the AIDS epidemic that, at its peak, ended up infecting 30% of pregnant women in Uganda and 20% of adults across the continent. That epidemic also orphaned 34 million children across the continent. Missionaries in Uganda quickly adopted America’s virulent homophobia to preach against what they argued was deviant sexual behavior.

*snip*

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

[LetMyPeopleVote]

2. Statement from President Joe Biden on the Enactment of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act

Uganda needs to be sanctioned for this act

Link to tweet

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/29/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-enactment-of-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-act/

The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights—one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people, and one that jeopardizes the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country. I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong.

Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was introduced, reports of violence and discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+ are on the rise. Innocent Ugandans now fear going to hospitals, clinics, or other establishments to receive life-saving medical care lest they be targeted by hateful reprisals. Some have been evicted from their homes or fired from their jobs. And the prospect of graver threats—including lengthy prison sentences, violence, abuse—threatens any number of Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom.

This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda. The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including U.S. government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others. As such, I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments. My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). And we are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption.

The United States shares a deep and committed partnership with the people of Uganda. For more than 60 years, we have worked together to help millions of Ugandans live healthier, more productive lives.

Our programs have boosted economic growth and agricultural productivity, increased investments in Ugandan businesses, and strengthened our trade cooperation. In total, the U.S. Government invests nearly $1 billion annually in Uganda’s people, business, institutions, and military to advance our common agenda. The scale of our commitments speaks to the value we place on this partnership—and our faith in the people of Uganda to build for themselves a better future. It is my sincere hope that we can continue to build on this progress, together, and strengthen protections for the human rights of people everywhere.

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