Rumblings, (Not.)

But, why don’t I kind of try to get the world news in context. That news that concerns me, as a Gay Ugandan.

Believe it or not, I am told that this statement was released by the The Reverend Philip J. Bené, J.C.D., Legal Attaché, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

“

Thank you for convening this panel discussion and for providing the opportunity to hear some very serious concerns raised this afternoon.  My comments are more in the form of a statement rather than a question.

As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.  The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.

As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See’s position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth.”

Those who are 'above' the Catholic Archbishop and Cardinal in Uganda. Now, I have to get it to the Archbishop and Cardinal here in Uganda! And of course to Bahati, Buturo, etc, etc. Guess what will be in Buturos email in the morning.

You know that the Church leaders in Uganda are backing the bill? Well, here is their latest statement. Now, now, now, how does that square with the Holy See? Did you notice that the Catholic bishops in Uganda were actually included in the Inter-religious Council which backed the bill, and are going out to the churches to support the bill?

Anyone out there to alert the Holy See? I still believe that too few Catholics are gearing up to defend poor me. Please?

Rick Warren.
His backpeddling statement. Is it still news? Well, this as Obama would say, has the 24 hours cycle ended and we move onto something else? Well, he issued a statement. And, the world media took notice.

Truth Wins Out thanks Warren. I did too, with a little kick in the smile, of course. Well. That is what I will do when the Archbishops of Canterbury and York speak out. They are being a bit slow, but never mind. As long as they do speak out. Just keep up the pressure on these Anglicans. Like here.

The Indian Episcopal church does love and affirm gay Christian Indians. At least that is what I read from all the legalese in this statement. I am open to correction…!

Well, Religion, politics, and the mix. Rachel Maddow is doing it. As reported by Queerty here.

No. For your information, I dont want to be forced into therapy. Remember what was happening in England. Castration, medical. Brain surgery, all in the name of correcting homosexuality. No. I don’t want benevolent reparative surgery. No thanks.

Did I say Rachel Maddow is my heroine? Angel, my angel, I salute you, lady! Well, others didn’t speak out. You took the lead, and you have stayed on the roll. As for reparative surgery, (the no thank you therapy,) Rachel takes it on. Here. I dont like quarks. Especially those who want to do it on me. And, Rachel does some work that I applaud. From some anonymous gay Ugandan, thanks! Thanks Rachel!

Now, can I convince Bahati of that? He is a member of ‘C street, aka the Family, huh?

Rachel continued digging.

And, also keep up the pressure on those other politicians. See, Museveni, Bahati and Nsaba-Buturo are not the only members of the Family. Only the Ugandan ones that we know of.

No death, no life imprisonment but, reparative therapy? No thanks.

Old news, but I don’t mind PepsiCo being in problems. Don’t like any gay bashing singers in Uganda. Not at this particular moment. We have enough of that, thank you.

And, more analysis on whether the bill will be passed or not. No, it is not here because I am quoted… Though that might play a part(!?). But seriously, for the first time, I am seeing some little light at the end of a truly dark tunnel.

Doesn’t do to be very optimistic. Have to continue pushing. Harder, harder, harder. Until this truly terrible bill is quashed. Because, none of the seemingly ‘humane’ things that they are offering instead would work.

Andrew Sullivan encourages me to ‘Know Hope’. Yes, I will. For many reasons. Not least of which that absolute strangers have reached out to help me when I was down. [Tsch! That is the problem with hope. It brings tears to my eyes, and makes me too hopeful!]

But, here are some friends helping out in London, UK.

The picture is from Pink News

Sigh,

let me balance all that talk of hope. With an opinion. From where else but my country. It is very depressing. But, I have to be realistic. It was in todays Daily Monitor.

Now the homosexual debate rages in Kampala. Some ‘donor’ we hear, is so upset by the proposed anti-gay Bill, she has threatened to cut aid to Uganda. Clever civil society groups, most of them patronised by the regime itself, are rehearsing the lie lines. That they love the gays so much, they would even kill for gay rights. Money will flow. If you want some cash for Christmas, form a pro-gay rights group now. Just tell some nice lie and tell it passionately. Those who purport to fight gays and those who purport to love them are just doing business. Closet matters have never been the concern of the legislature, nor of the organised public.

Err, did I say that I do love being a Ugandan?

But, sometimes, it makes me wince. Badly...! Like now!

Cynicism is a built in reflex, with the realities of our world, it seems. But will Ugandans please first drop that bill?

gug