Key U.S. Lawmaker Denounces Uganda Anti-Gay Law

On Wednesday, the ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee urged Ugandan political officials to "come to their senses" and reject proposed anti-gay legislation. Under the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill," gays in Uganda could be punished with life in prison or even execution for "aggravated homosexuality," such as offenses by HIV-positive gays. "It needs to be stopped in its tracks immediately," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.). "Ugandan leaders must come to their senses and reject this impending massive blow to human rights and decency in their country," she said. Ros-Lehtinen has expressed her concerns in a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The member of Congress said she would seek "appropriate action" if the proposed bill became law, as the "fear-mongering" it engenders could undermine efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

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