In response to Uganda’s recent reintroduction of a bill that would mandate extreme punishment of its gay citizens, a Change.org petition urging Citibank and Barclays to condemn the legislation has collected over 190,000 signatures since its launch just four days ago.
Citibank and Barclays are two of the world’s biggest banks, and both have major operations in Uganda. The petition notes that both banks have strong records of supporting their LGBT employees; Citibank gets a 100% on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, and Barclays was recently named the most LGBT-friendly company in all of Scotland.
Says the Change.org petition:
“With the ‘Kill the Gays’ bill looming in Uganda’s parliament, Citibank and Barclays have unique and necessary voices that could help stop this bill in its tracks. Their presence in Uganda is significant, and their voices in opposition to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill could have a profound impact in keeping LGBT people safe in Uganda.”
The so-called “Kill the Gays” bill was first introduced in Uganda in 2009, including a provision calling for the death penalty for certain acts. The bill was tabled last year, but reintroduced three weeks ago by gay-hating legislator David Bahati (left).
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Watch Rachel Maddow rip David Bahati a new a-hole in 2010 here.
More importantly, sign the Change.org petition here.
Image via YouTube
the crustybastard
Very savvy to make the demand of the banks rather than politicians. Too bad they’re only demanding a condemnation rather than a commitment to divest — a la South Africa.
Condemnation is easy. Pretty much everybody disapproves of this monstrosity. But nobody should be permitted to simply issue a strongly worded letter and absolve their conscience while they go about business as usual.
Isebantu
I guess Citi and Barclays are not charitable institutions, so by demanding that they voice their ‘love’ for gays who do not even contribute to 0.0001 percent of the UGANDA population, is to say the least ridiculous. Only a fool thinks Barclays Bank and Citi have an impact on Uganda’s economy or populace, Homosexuality is an evil/sinful practise much like prostitution and it would be silly fo anyone to demand that ‘all of us’ respect these lawbreakers who are just confused in thier belief that they have a ‘human right to be gay’
Hyhybt
Dagnabbit…. that flag reminds me of an image I saved on my computer but can no longer find online to link to: a rooster in a similar style to the bird on the flag, holding one of those oversized, rainbow-colored lollipops.
YouKnowNothing
@Isebantu: I am not a homosexual, but you ARE a monster. Condoning killing these people for mearly being alive is horrible. What’s worse is that homosexuals did not choose to be as they are, BUT YOU DID. You’re sick. You’re on the same level as Hitler. If anyone had the audacity to propose the genocide of blacks or any other people because of their race and creed, they would be called out as the psychopaths they are. You’re depraved for supporting what would be a mass-murder you soulless hypocrit. — “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! — Keep those words in mind when your judgement comes.
Kurtsa
Screw Him.
Kurtsa
@Isebantu: I think we have as much of a “human right to be gay” as you have a “human right to be a bigoted prick who blindly follows a scripture written thousands of years ago.” Just saying.¯\_(“/)_/¯
Gowon
Did they say “Blood Bank?” Let me go get out all my money before they close down due to capital flight.