Uganda Says Not to Yield to Foreign Pressure Over Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Today in Kampala, Uganda's state minister for ethics and integrity vowed the government will not be swayed by international demands that it scrap the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009" now before Parliament. The bill would impose harsh penalties, including life in prison and even execution, for homosexual activity. It also would punish those who fail to report such activity to authorities. The legislation has been harshly criticized by Western nations and by AIDS experts who say it would hinder Uganda's fight against HIV. "We are not going to yield to any foreign pressure to legalize homosexuality in Uganda," said James Nsaba Buturo. Regarding warnings that Uganda could lose foreign aid if the bill becomes law, Buturo said, "The threats are totally unacceptable. We shall not support homosexuality because we want foreign aid. As a country, we have values to cherish."

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