Yesterday members of Uganda’s Parliament called for legislation akin to the failed Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014. Beginning in 2009, Uganda had the world’s attention as the nation’s Parliament debated a bill which would have implemented the death penalty for repeat instances of same-sex behavior between consenting adults. A slightly modified bill finally passed in 2013 only to be struck down by a Ugandan court in 2014.
In protest, nations around the globe cut off aid to Uganda and President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denounced the bill at the 2010 prayer breakfast. Evangelicals were divided over the bill with some giving quiet support to the evangelical parliamentarians in Uganda. Others, like Rick Warren, criticized the bill and urged Ugandan pastors to come out against it. See the end of this post for more reading on the issue. I wrote scores of articles about the bill and came out strongly against it.
A New Anti-Homosexuality Bill?
After speaking out against same-sex marriage at the March Inter-Parliamentary Union conference, members of Parliament passed a commendation of Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
Next is a Motion for commending the Speaker @RebeccaKadaga for upholding and protecting #Uganda ’s cultural values against same sex marriages at the 138th @IPUparliament Assembly. The motion is being moved by hon Nsaba Buturo #PlenaryUg
— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) April 11, 2018
Here is Kadaga at the IPU meeting:
The recognition of Kadaga Wednesday led to other members of Parliament making statements about a need for a new law against homosexuality.
Hon. @HerbertAriko : A law should not only be proper but must take into consideration the moral fibre of the nation. The act or bill which was nullified by court must become one of the urgent business of this House. The Penal Code Act is not enough. #PlenaryUg
— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) April 11, 2018
Hon Silas Aogon: For any body to support homosexuality is to support sexual terrorism; it is uncouth, unacceptable and not African. The right way is the Biblical way. #PlenaryUg
— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) April 11, 2018
Hon Cecilia Ogwal: Unless we have a strong law which will stop each and everyone from practising homosexuality, it will spread like a wild fire. WE must preserve our values. Let us not just talk;let us bring this law and pass it. #PlenaryUg
— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) April 11, 2018
That homosexuality spreads “like a wild fire” is just one of many misconceptions which members of Parliament use to generate support for their efforts. As a response to a request from President Museveni for scientific information relating to homosexuality, Jack Drescher and I wrote a scientific consensus letter in 2014 which was signed by over 200 scholars and sex researchers. I would like to think it helped but he signed the bill anyway. Furthermore, when I read these statements from the Parliament, I can see we have more work to do.
Additional Reading
Scientific Consensus Statement
History of Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill – NPR
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill Inspired by American Evangelicals – Daily Beast
My Salon series about a Nevada church who dropped support of a Uganda missionary over the bill
Straight Man’s Burden – Harpers
The Bill Inspired by American Evangelicals – The Atlantic