As many of you may already know there is a highly disturbing bill being considered by the Ugandan government that will place inhumane penalties on those who are gay or lesbian, as well as those who are friends or family of LGBT people. The Ugandan government already allows life imprisonment if convicted of homosexuality. However, a new proposed bill goes even further. Not only does it advocate the death penalty in certain cases, but it also requires anyone who knows of possible homosexual activity to report it within 24 hours or face up to three years in prison. Additionally, it severely censors free speech. Anyone blogging, speaking or otherwise expressing any views on homosexuality considered contrary to the government’s faces the prospect of prison (see the complete text of the bill here).
As Christians, we have a moral responsibility to speak out against injustice. Many readers of this blog, including those of us who have left homosexuality, would be in prison right now if the same laws were enacted in the States. Can you imagine being sent to prison for life for that same-sex relationship you might have been in? Can you imagine being sent to prison for not turning in your son or daughter or friend?
Particularly upsetting is that this bill is supported by Ugandan Christians, including the Family Life Network. While the Ugandan government may not listen to gay rights organizations due to their high level of hostility toward LGBT people, they might listen to conservative American Christians and gay Christians who are not affirming. If this law is passed, any kind of ministry or outreach to those who have same-sex attraction will be virtually impossible (due to mandatory reporting). It will also likely fuel the HIV problem due to people’s fears of being accused of being gay (those who are HIV positive and convicted of having sex face the death penalty).
Jesus came to rescue the world, not to condemn it. Please speak out against this injustice. If this were happening in American, you would hope and pray someone spoke up on your behalf. Below is the contact information for the Ugandan government officials. I am urging you to write a letter and send it to all of these individuals. Not only that, I urge you to ask your pastors and other friends to write as well. Pastors like Rick Warren could have a tremendous influence if they spoke up. I also urge Exodus staff and affiliate ministries to write to these officials as well. And do it now while there is still time.
After you have written the letter and sent it to the contacts below, please cut and paste it in the comments section. I have already done so and posted my letter below, and you are welcome to use any portion of what I have written for your letter. I have also included in the comments section a sample letter from IGLHRC. For more information, see this BBC article as well as Warren Throckmorton.
CONTACT:
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
State House Nakasero
P.O. Box 24594
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-41-343-311
Fax: 256-41-346-102
info@statehouse.go.ug
Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi
Post Office Building, Yusuf Lule Road
P.O. Box 341
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-41-423-6252
Fax: 256-41-434-1139
ps@opm.go.ug
Speaker of the Parliament Edward Ssekandi Kiwanuka
P.O. Box 7178, Parliamentary Avenue
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-414-377-100
Fax: 256-414-231-296
speaker@parliament.go.ug
Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Affairs
Honorable Opio Gabriel
P.O. Box 1494
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-41-510-732
ps@mglsd.go.ug
Med Kaggwa, Chair of the Uganda Human Rights Commission
Plot 20/22/24 Buganda Road
P.O. Box 4929,
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-414-348-007/8
Fax: 256-414-255-261
uhrc@uhrc.ug
Directorate for Ethics and Integrity
P.O. Box 7142
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-(0)41-430-1600
Fax: 256-(0)41-434-3177
info@dei.go.ug
Mathisen Gørild
Chair of the Uganda Diplomatic Human Rights Working Groups
gorild.mathisen@mfa.no
Send a copy to:
Jerry P. Lanier, Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda
Embassy of the United States of America
P.O. Box 7007,
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256-414-259-791/2/3/5
Fax: 256-414-259-794
kampalawebcontact@state.gov
Send an email and fax to:
Perezi K. Kamunanwire, Ambassador to the US
Tel: 1-202-726-4758
Fax: 1-202-726-1727
pkamunanwire@ugandaembassyus.org
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations
336 East 45 Street
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 1-212-949-0110
Fax: 1-212-687-4517
ugandaunny@un.int
Note: Thanks to IGLHRC for providing this contact information.
18 Comments
October 20, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Your Excellencies,
As a Christian, I am deeply concerned about the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009. I used to be involved in lesbian relationships, but now live celibate as I do not believe that is what God intended for sexual relationships. However, I never would have come to know God’s love and grace for me if there had been this kind of law in place. I have chosen to live my life for God not out of fear of punishment but because His perfect love casts out fear. This law will keep people in fearful secrecy instead of seeking help, and it will turn families against each other due to mandatory reporting requirements.
I grew up in the Church and have always wanted to live for God. I did not choose to have same-sex attractions. I spent many years depressed and suicidal because I did not know why this was happening to me. I do not know any gay person who ever chooses to have same-sex attractions. I urge you to please help those who are gay and lesbian. Putting people in prison is not the answer.
The Bible says, “From heaven the LORD gazed upon the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to set free those who were doomed to death” (Psalm 102:20). Scripture also says Jesus came to rescue the world and not to condemn it (John 3:17). And, it is God’s kindness that brings us to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
This bill is inhumane and unjust. It is completely contrary to the Spirit of God. I urge you to please not allow this bill to pass.
Sincerely,
Karen Keen
Durham, North Carolina, USA
October 20, 2009 at 1:39 pm
IGLHRC’s Sample Letter:
Your Excellencies:
I am writing to express concern about legislation that would severely restrict the rights of Ugandan citizens, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their defenders, in direct contravention of domestic and international law. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 would not only reaffirm penalties for homosexuality, but would criminalize the “promotion of homosexuality,” including funding and sponsoring LGBT organizations and broadcasting, publishing, or marketing materials on homosexuality. Any person in authority who fails to report known violations of the law within 24 hours will also be subject to a significant fine and up to 3 years in prison – even when this means turning in their colleagues, family, or friends.
The negative repercussions of the bill in Uganda will be immediate and severe. It effectively bans the free association and expression that are necessary for a flourishing civil society, and creates a climate of fear and hostility that undermines the citizenship and solidarity of all Ugandans. It will lend itself to misapplication and abuse, and implicitly encourages persecution of LGBT people by private actors. Effective HIV prevention activities in Uganda, which rely on an ability to talk frankly about sexuality and provide condoms and other safer-sex materials, will be difficult, if not impossible.
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill violates National Objective 5(2) of the Ugandan Constitution, which provides that “the State shall guarantee and respect the independence of non-governmental organizations which protect and promote human rights.” Moreover, it directly violates the right to equality and freedom from discrimination (Article 21), the right to privacy (Article 27), the right to freedoms of speech, expression, association, and assembly (Article 29), the protection of minorities (Article 36), and the protection of civic rights and activities (Article 38) to which all Ugandans are entitled. It also violates the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international human rights treaties to which Uganda is a party. This bill undermines Uganda’s commitment to the international human rights regime and threatens the basic human rights of all its citizens.
The Bill’s revocation of fundamental rights would also seriously undermine the country’s reputation and credibility in the international arena. Because it claims jurisdiction over Ugandans who violate its provisions while outside of the country, the Bill will strain Uganda’s relations with regional and international partners.
While people may hold differing opinions about sexual orientation and gender identity, the legislation before Parliament is an ineffective and fundamentally illegal way to express opposition to a minority group. In recognition of the importance of a diverse, dynamic civil society and the domestic and international commitments that Uganda has made, I urge you to swiftly dismiss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities of all Ugandans.
Truly yours,
Name:
Organization:
Country:
October 20, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Thanks, Karen. Glad to have you on board.
October 20, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Thanks for this update Karen. Good letters.
October 21, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Thanks Karen for posting this. I was in utter shock and disbelief when I read about what the country of Uganda is proposing to do with homosexual behevior. I cannot believe this could happen in 2009-unbelieveable!!! I emailed a brief letter to all of the contacts that were listed and copied and pasted my letter according to what you asked us to do.
Your Excellencies:
As a Christian, I am deeply concerned about the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009. As a follower of Jesus Christ and also one who experiences same sex attractions I cannot imagine what I would be going through if I lived in a country which is proposing the passage of such a bill as this. Although I have never acted out on my attractions based upon my what I believe the bible says about homosexuality, I can assure you that I did not choose to have these feelings. I know firsthand, as do many others who have similar feelings, that we suffer enough shame and guilt that often goes along with experiencing homosexual attractions without having to deal with a law that would subject many of us to criminal offenses and/or imprisonment.
I plead with you to reconsider the passage of this proposed inhumane bill and to consider a more constructive and humane approach to address homosexuality within your country. Instilling fear and condemnation is not the answer and I believe passing a bill such as this will cast your country in a very negative light, not only within your own country, but also abroad. The continued dignity and civility of the citizens of Uganda is dependent upon it. Please, I beg of you, to dismiss this cruel and unjust bill.
Sincerely,
October 22, 2009 at 3:13 am
Amazing Grace–thanks for posting your letter and for participating in speaking out!
October 29, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Okay folks–the last post got over 150 comments and yet only one person has posted a letter here. What is up with that? I hope you all have sent something even if you haven’t posted it here. I am not sure how to interpret this lack of response on something so serious. What’s up?
October 29, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Karen,
I’m sure that most of the people who have either simply not posted their letters on your blog, or have not bothered to send letters, are merely preoccupied with other things.
I am also usually too preoccupied to get involved with political matters. But I have to admit—at the risk of further damaging my reputation among gays and “ex-gays” alike—I do have some reservations on this issue.
Primarily, I tremendously respect the right of independent governments to determine their own laws based on the morality of their own society. Would I want to live in a country that imposed laws such as Uganda does? NO. And I’m extremely grateful that I don’t.
But if we look back at the Old Testament, many of the laws we believe are inhumane today were in affect during Mosaic Law. I realize that Christ told those who were about to stone the woman who committed adultery, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone…neither do I condemn you.”
He did not, however, tell them not to stone her, nor command them that they should not do according to their law.
Additionally, I do not see where Jesus ever implied that the basic laws of the land (correct me if I am in error), to include imprisonment and the death penalty, should be abolished due to the fact that he died for our sins.
And if that were the case, then it would be cruel and unusual for any society to impose punishment such as imprisonment, or the death penalty, for any criminal activity—to include what is deemed by them to be sexual immorality.
I don’t know a lot about the Uganda law, but I think I read somewhere that it involves the death penalty for passing the HIV virus to someone through homosexual activity. Your post states that the death penalty is already imposed, however, for conviction of homosexuality itself. So I may be a little confused between the current laws and the proposed law.
As for being sentenced for not tuning someone in, that is absolutely harsh. I would never want to be subject to it. It brings to mind, though, the Old Testament law that a woman who is being raped and does not call out for help will be given the death penalty. Again, I do not see where Jesus claimed that the basic laws of the land be altered due to his death and resurrection.
I would note that I also read somewhere that by means of their stricter laws, Uganda has become a model worldwide in curbing the spread of AIDS. So I don’t know whether or not this new law will actually fuel the spread of AIDS as you suggest.
Yes the law is very harsh, but when I look at the big picture and see the level of immense suffering that could potentially be eliminated by their efforts, I have to also question whether or not I should judge their laws so harshly. AIDS is a very serious issue in that region of the world—much more so than in other nations due to economic conditions.
Taking all things into consideration, I am reluctant to want to tell them how to run their country, or make a moral determination for them that should be theirs alone. In doing so, I feel that I would be using accusations of inhumanity to pressure them from doing something that may prove more humane for their citizens in the long run.
I’ve always been easily confused when it comes to political issues. What is best and what isn’t? For example, until recently I always opposed the Iraqi war (although supported the war in Afghanistan). These days, however, I am thinking we need to have that presence in the middle east and that it might be best in the long run that we went in when we did. I just don’t know. Only history will reveal that, I guess.
So generally, for me, I just keep politics in prayer and let the greater minds resolve it.
October 29, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Grace–I find your statements to be extremely disturbing, even frightening. It is because of attitudes like this that gross injustice is allowed to continue.
October 29, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Karen,
You use the term “gross injustice”—and it may be (I am not the judge of that); but it is also not much different than Mosaic Law, which I personally believe was implemented, not for judgment of the individual, but the long-term preservation of society.
I believe that 1 million AIDS related deaths in Uganda, resulting in over 1 million orphaned children, is cruel and unusual suffering and also defines gross injustice. (I am not claiming that homosexuals are the cause of that.)
Uganda has tried hard to curb the epidemic of AIDS in their country and have been highly successful for that region, due to their strict laws regarding sexual conduct.
I think it is important to consider that they live in a completely different culture than we do—environmentally, socially, and economically. What works in America or other places, Uganda may not have the resources to implement.
I do not support Uganda’s bill, nor would I promote any such bill in any country; but it should not be disturbing that I respect their government’s right to determine their laws based on their own moral objectives, and what they believe to be in the overall best interest of their people.
This law is by far not genocide, mass famine and disease, young soldiers (babies themselves) and innocent civilians dying in the streets, deserts, and mountains—which none of us will probably ever lift a pen to write letters to government officials about.
Indifference like that is also the reason injustice is allowed to continue worldwide.
Perhaps we can all write our letters to the Uganda government and then select another, more disturbing cause we can take up arms for. I’m in.
October 30, 2009 at 3:34 am
Grace–there is concern that this will actually exacerbate the HIV/AIDS problem as people will be afraid to self-disclose. So if you are truly concerned about the AIDS epidemic, this bill ought to be alarming.
You write: “I do not support Uganda’s bill, nor would I promote any such bill in any country; but it should not be disturbing that I respect their government’s right to determine their laws based on their own moral objectives, and what they believe to be in the overall best interest of their people.”
I find it difficult to comprehend your acknowledgment of the problem with the bill and yet complete acquiescence to it. It reminds me of the saying, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
I also find your comparison that a gay person could spend life in prison as insignificant compared to other injustices to be tragic. I don’t believe in devaluing the life of even one person. Rather we should uphold justice for even the least, small person.
October 30, 2009 at 3:41 am
UPDATE: Chad Thompson, author of Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would has written a statement against the Anti-Homosexuality bill. He writes:
“I am actually calling on all Christians to take a political stand against Bahati’s anti-homosexuality bill. I would like to see Christian ministry leaders in America, and especially leaders of post/ex gay ministries, speak out against Bahati’s bill. I have seen the most politically active Christian groups in the United States go absolutely bonkers when legislation is proposed that would be detrimental to our rights as Christians in a post-Christian society. Now, I would like to see these same Christians be just as passionate about a bill that would be detrimental to the rights of gays and lesbians in Uganda. As I have said time and time again, you don’t have to agree with homosexuality in order to be against the mistreatment of gay and lesbian people!
If passed this law would not only further criminalize gay and lesbian people in Uganda, but would also criminalize Christianswho fail to report anyone who has engaged in homosexual sex to Ugandan authorities for prosecution. This could create a very hostile environment for those wishing to minister the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to the gay and lesbian population of Uganda. If we want to love homosexuals as Jesus would we have to speak up about this potential human rights violation.”
To see the full text of his letter go to: http://www.lovinghomosexuals.com/UgandaHumanRights.html
He also writes in regards to Rick and Kay Warren: “Important Note: There have been attempts to link Rick Warren and Saddleback Church to this horrific bill because one of the bill’s supporters, Martin Ssempa, has spoken at their church conferences in the past. I have spoken personally with Kay Warren and can assure you that Rick and Kay Warren are absolutely sick over what is happening in Uganda and do not support the anti-homosexuality bill in any way.”
That being the case, I would like to see a public statement from Rick and Kay Warren given that they have such significant influence and connections in Africa.
On another note, Dr. Throckmorton has set up a facebook group to rally folks against the Anti-Homosexuality bill. You can join it here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=198541255168&v=info&ref=share
October 30, 2009 at 4:52 am
I sent a letter via the e-mails.
Grace – You say that “by means of their stricter laws, Uganda has become a model worldwide in curbing the spread of AIDS” This is only half true. Yes Uganda is doing the best job out of the African countries dealing with this pandemic but it could be argued that it is more because of education and the churches involvement.
There are huge campaigns for testing, awareness and distribution of condoms and whatnot. As well as a huge church involvement. The KPC is probably the biggest church I have seen in my life and they deal with tens of thousands of people every day and they are educating and teaching people. I would have to say from experience strict laws have nothing to do with it.
I think that the church there should get involved. Maybe I’ll e-mail some people I know that are there. I’ll also tell my brother who is going there in a few months.
October 30, 2009 at 4:53 am
“Uganda has tried hard to curb the epidemic of AIDS in their country and have been highly successful for that region, due to their strict laws regarding sexual conduct.”
Not quite an accurate statement, Grace. Sorry.
Uganda has been the only African country I am aware of that has reversed its rate of HIV infections through a combination of measures referred to as the ABC approach (Abstinence, Be faithful, Correctly use condoms). Their government also had a program, now defunct, called Zero Grazing, which was aimed at reducing sleeping around. When large sums of money to combat HIV/AIDS became available — mostly from the U.S. through PEPFAR — an ideological battle ensued between those pushing abstinence and those pushing condoms in Uganda.
Uganda is a largely Christian country, and that extends to President and First Lady Museveni. Uganda’s motto is “For God and My Country.” There is a pervasive pro-morality, pro-family sentiment there, despite the unsavory fact that immorality cannot be wiped out anywhere on earth, no matter how harsh the laws.
Some outspoken Christians there are speaking strongly in favor of the new law. Of course, this means they are saying they will not be willing to minister to struggling gays since they would have to turn themselves in for aiding and abetting a known homosexual law-breaker. They speak out of both sides of their mouths, claiming they love all Ugandans. They see homosexuality as an unnatural act that, along with other vices, is destroying their country. They also see it as an evil imported from the West.
Warren Throckmorton’s Facebook group will have or exceed 1,000 members before today is done, it looks like. Bless him for taking a strong stand also on his blog, going all the way back to a March conference on gay issues in Uganda which three Americans participated in and which was deemed highly suspect in its goals. And thank you Karen, for also taking action and helping spread awareness.
Uganda is a complex culture. Most of us are ill-equipped to understand it fully. But I have learned a lot in the past few weeks. The growing wave of international outrage is beginning to have an effect.
Grace, I just want to say that you or anyone, Christian or not, may certainly exercise discretion in engaging in any political “campaign.” No one should be making you feel less a citizen for refraining. We all ought to be careful of what we say in any public forum. If we are uninformed, it is better to remain silent unless we intend to get informed. I am quite certain I have committed that error myself in the past, more than once.
October 30, 2009 at 5:20 am
And this is exactly why I do not get involved in politics!
However, I do have a tremendous respect for an independent government’s freedom to create it’s laws based on their own morality, and for their own reasons, whether I agree with it or not. And so I do stop short of judging other countries as inhumane because thier laws may seem much harsher than ours.
As for my acquiescence on the matter, it is simply not an issue that struck me as something that warrented my getting involved with the goings on in another country.
There are many more urgent concerns worldwide that we ALL are completely acquiescence to. Which I guess also goes along with the saying:
“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
So I made my say on why I haven’t sent my letter (yet…OK?…and I can’t promise I won’t forget). I hope I haven’t been judged to harshy for that.
November 1, 2009 at 10:59 am
Great news- I just found out that Rick & Kay Warren with Saddleback church recently issued a statement denouncing Uganda’s Anti-homosexuality bill. You can read more about it on Warren Throckmortons blog or just do a google search.
November 3, 2009 at 11:46 am
Glad to hear it.
November 17, 2009 at 4:56 am
Reminding folks that today has been designated as a worldwide day of prayer for Uganda. Please pray that this bill would be defeated. Also pray that both the government and the churches in Uganda that support the Anti-Homosexuality Bill would come to their senses and realize that such legislation, should it pass in Parliament there, would only serve as a tool of Satan to further divide people and bring undue heartache and discrimination to gays in Uganda.