The good, bad, and Evil...

I loved this article. The Independent comes out swinging...

Tries to aim for balance, in this world of ours. [Guess we must be balanced, I mean, the world goes on, doesnt it?] with passages like this

"Indeed, one of the key consultants of the bill is not a lawyer at all, but prominent “pro-family” pastor, Martin Ssempa. On the same radio broadcast last week, Ssempa repeatedly touched upon the overarching threats he believes this bill is attempting to remedy: the assault upon African culture and the erosion of family values alongside fears of increased incidences of homosexual recruitment and defilement and their seeming lack of legal consequences. Ssempa argued that, contrary to criticism that the bill unfairly targets homosexuals, it would in effect bring about equal protection under the law for both boys and girls, who are the prime targets for molestation and defilement.

In a recent interview, Ssempa went much further, “I think it is important to understand what sodomy is. It is inherently unhealthy, a sexual lifestyle that involves unmentionable acts.” He went on to note that “by and large many boys and men have been infected and had permanent damage from homosexual behavior. And homosexual men have a higher risk for disease.”

For gay activists in Uganda, there is a mixture of anxiety and disappointment. K, who claims to be an avowed supporter of Musevini and the NRM, seemed most disappointed by the religious fervor underlying the new bill and the subsequent consequences it would have on him and his friends. He noted that he was never recruited to be gay nor was it a conscious choice; rather it was something he implicitly knew from a very young age. It wasn’t until he was in his early 20’s and he moved to Kampala that he met people like him and realised that he was not alone.

“When I came to Kampala, I found so many people, even some small organisations. I feel at home here, only now this bill is really making it worse on me. Really I was so happy and I am happy.”

Martin Sempa

K appeared worried yet defiant, “I think Ssempa has big people with guns and everything, and the way they are threatening us, some of us I think we are ready to die  because there’s no way I’m going to go. And I cannot change. They want to preach and they want to educate. Me, I am not going to change.” Regarding Ssempa, K a self-proclaimed god-fearing man, remarked sadly “I don’t think he’s God’s messenger because he is fighting God. If you are fighting one who was created by God, then you are fighting God... To me he is not a pastor because a pastor preaches the word of God. And that is the word of love not hate. Pastor Ssempa is preaching hate.”

Another young gay Ugandan noted that he had been for many years in a committed relationship. “Do some people know? Yes. Do some people suspect? Yes. Can they prove it in court? No. The new bill changes that.”

In a recent interview with Foreign Policy magazine, MP David Bahati did not mince words, “We are asking ourselves; is homosexuality good or bad? We are suggesting that it is bad. It is a behaviour that should not be tolerated. There is no evidence that someone can be born a homosexual.” He went on to note that gay men were three times more likely to transmit the HIV virus.

But according to K, this new law will not eliminate homosexuality, it will merely drive it further underground and accordingly, make it more dangerous, by targeting medical professionals (among others) who treat homosexuals. For him, “this bill is like killing people.”"

It is good reading. A good assesment of what is actually happening on the ground. Read it here.

The Protests before Ugandan missions? They did happen. Here.

Dont know what happened in other countries. Not really.

And, in Uganda? Nothing. Oh well, kind of hard to protest when we might be met with tear gas and police wielding batons. And, we dont exist, do we? ha!

Talking about religious opposition, I was interested in this article from Indonesia. Recently, was talking to a reluctant ally, a guy who had to defend gay people against the bill, but as a matter of, it is his job. I almost felt sorry for him.
He quoted to me how dangerous, and against the religion, and other things. Caught between his job, and his religion, and his culture. Actually, from the way he talked, his culture is permissive but overtly phobic. But, it is good when people actually start discussing. And, it is interesting when I hear of moslems actually discussing homosexuality.

There is more to it than just that.

I have been talking on facebook with guys who, well, besides throwing stones verbally, sweetly ask me to lift the veil of my anonymity, and abuse me. Then they stand on their feet and state what good Christians they are. My reaction is, if I realy needed people to show me Christian Compassion, you are actually showing me a lot. Yeah, and I suspect they are from Ssempa's Church. Why? Because I am what I am...!!!

Ok, actually, because they are steeped in his arguments. They are kind of unique. Remember the article I first quoted? More from it, the Ssempa special.

one of the key consultants of the bill is not a lawyer at all, but prominent “pro-family” pastor, Martin Ssempa. On the same radio broadcast last week, Ssempa repeatedly touched upon the overarching threats he believes this bill is attempting to remedy: the assault upon African culture and the erosion of family values alongside fears of increased incidences of homosexual recruitment and defilement and their seeming lack of legal consequences. Ssempa argued that, contrary to criticism that the bill unfairly targets homosexuals, it would in effect bring about equal protection under the law for both boys and girls, who are the prime targets for molestation and defilement.

In a recent interview, Ssempa went much further, “I think it is important to understand what sodomy is. It is inherently unhealthy, a sexual lifestyle that involves unmentionable acts.” He went on to note that “by and large many boys and men have been infected and had permanent damage from homosexual behavior. And homosexual men have a higher risk for disease.”

For David Bahati, I feel he is kind of out of his league. By the way, does anyone happen to know what denomination of Christianity he is? I have a feeling it is most likely Pentecostal... But, I am not sure. His 'nice piece of legislation' in support of the 'traditional family' is giving him a Hitlerish look!

Ok, he is a good Christian. A good Christian. Who is sincerely convinced that I am a threat to OUR country. He wants me in prison for life, if I dont suffer the death punishment. Here he is praying.

We are a religious country. We, as in Ugandans! These are members of parliament. Those who will vote on the bill.

I was commenting that the international displeasure is continuing to be shown. Here, And here.

Will it work? Have to remind you we are a country that is very proud of our 'leadership' position on the part of homosexuality, and fighting this world wide scourge. Keep your fingers crossed. But, you are more likely to get cramp, before we 'deviate' from our god's ways. Except in corruption of course....!

Indeed, rights are still a struggle.

It is a beautiful day. I will enjoy it, because it is beautiful.

Have a lovely day.

gug

PS: Andrew Mwenda's article deserves a whole post to itself! It is that good... Well, I like it that much! ha