According to Parliament member David Bahati, a new version of Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill will no longer stipulate the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”
Citing “all the issues that have been raised” with the so-called “Kill the Gays” bill, Bahati told The Associated Press on Friday, “There is no death penalty.”
Those issues perhaps include the massive international outcry, condemnation by world leaders (including President Obama) and threats from several nations to cut financial aid to the African nation. Bahati’s statements, however, contradict earlier reports that claimed the death penalty could not been removed as no changes can be made to the bill.
Previous versions of the bill provided for capital punishment in cases of “aggravated homosexuality,” meaning gays with HIV having sex, gays having sex with minors or the disabled, or gays discovered having sex for the second time. Now, according to Bahati, the bill is intended to protect children from gay pornography, ban gay marriage, counsel gays and punish anyone who promotes gay culture.
The bill has been under review by a committee, though it was allegedly the number one order of business for Parliament on Tuesday.
“There was a dissenting voice in the committee,” said Krispus Ayena, a member of said committee. “They argued very forcefully that we should not do a thing like that: to regulate what goes on in bedrooms. First of all, is it practicable to regulate that? And there are those who say this is very oppressive.”
Like, everyone? Over 500,00 have signed a petition on Change.org calling for Citibank and Barclays – both heavily invested in Uganda – to condemn the bill. Meanwhile, passage of the anti-homosexuality bill, with or without the death penalty provision, is expected by Christmas, so if Citibank and Barclays want to make a statement, they’d best do so quick.
Charles175
Uganda has a record of “bait and switch” with this law before. So I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one until it were to actually pass. Tony Perkins said that Uganda was in the process of “repentance” and thus doing God’s will.
Charles
The bird on the flag looks really gay friendly, oh the irony….
Dumdum
I don’t know anything about prisons or jail in Africa but I suspect it would be unpleasant to say the least. My guess would be that once incarcerated it would be a simple matter to murder someone. I guess Africa is just like Vegas. What happens there stays there. I am so glad that we have SO many human beings to tell us what god wants. I am confused, which person and which god do I listen to. Jews have one, Muslims have one, Christians have two, and Catholics have three. Well actually. I need a nap. Maybe god will tell me what me what he she or it wants.
nineinchnail
Gotta feel sorry for a bunch of savages living in a backward country. Cut the aid off and let them all starve.
Dumdum
@nineinchnail: This is the 21st century. As an Anthropologist I can tell you that modern man is the only savage left. They are only stupid and very misguided.