Obama Weighs in, Again.

Hey, I must say that the gay lobby in the US is strong.

He has weighed in again, and it will be interesting to see what pressure that does for Uganda. I am quite aware that it was because of the anger of the LGBT people in the US that there is this unprecedented level of intervention.

And, I cant help but note that, from this master wordsmith, the words also hold a deep meaning. Push aside the politics and push these words into Bahati, Buturo, and Ssempa's faces. Surely, surely????!!!!!

Here are the words.

We may disagree about gay marriage, but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are — whether it’s here in the United States or, as Hillary mentioned, more extremely in odious laws that are being proposed most recently in Uganda.

Hillary Clinton also did talk, about the same issue. President Museveni has not heard the last from the Secretary of State!

Hillary Clinton talked about persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians

Sadly, 27th Comrade will be up in arms that Obama is interfering with his right to kill gayUganda. And, I will keep telling him that I will reject my allies when I am dead. Dont know whether he gets that... Maybe he does? Or not.

And, the Congress is also weighing in with a resolution. The Senate.

Here is the text of the Bipartisan--- Yes, it was. Bipartisan. Again, for me what I see is that the appeal to a common humanity crosses partisan lines.
I know, the Ugandans will argue that the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009 (text here), was actually a Bi-partisan affair, demonstrating the common 'values' of Uganda, and their horror of homosexuality. Honourable Benson Obua-Ogwal, (UPC, Moroto) and David Bahati, (NRM, Ndorwa West), were the co-sponsors.

Here is the text of the Resolution.

RESOLUTION

Calling on members of the Parliament in Uganda to reject the proposed ‘‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’’, and for other purposes.

Whereas a bill introduced on October 14, 2009, by a member of Parliament in Uganda would expand penalties for homosexuality to include the death penalty and requires citizens to report information about homosexuality to the police or face imprisonment;

Whereas many countries criminalize homosexuality, and in some countries, such as Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, the penalty for homosexuality includes the death penalty;

Whereas the United States, in seeking to promote the core American principles of equality and ‘‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,’’ has long championed the universality of human rights;

Whereas religious leaders in the United States, along with representatives from the Vatican and the Anglican Church, have stated that laws criminalizing homosexuality are unjust; and

Whereas the people and Government of the United States recognize that such laws undermine our commitment to combating HIV/AIDS globally through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by stigmatizing and criminalizing vulnerable communities: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) calls on members of the Parliament in Uganda to reject the ‘‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’’ recently proposed in that country;

(2) urges the governments of all countries to reject and repeal similar criminalization laws; and

(3) encourages the Secretary of State to closely monitor human rights abuses that occur because of sexual orientation and to encourage the repeal or reform of laws such as the proposed ‘‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’’ in Uganda that permit such abuses.

I am glad that the crisis in Uganda has brought to the mind the issue of abuses of human rights of others like me, who are different because we are gay.

But, with that realisation, I still remember that the Bill, the Bahati Bill is still in parliament. And yes, it can be passed, despite this unprecedented pressure.

Dont think I have ever seen action oriented people like the Americans. So, the bill is there, right? Here are Ten things to Oppose it...! Right!

I think it is inevitable that this bill plays into the politics of the different countries. Personally, I see it as life. My life. My partner's. Life and liberty.

But, it is playing out differently in other places...

In Britain, Cameron of the Tories (yes?) wants to admit gay refugees.

Good suggestion, actually. Did I mention that Ssempa is taunting us that countries like Sweden are waiting for us? But, this tiny hostile but beautiful country of mine is MY country. Today, was in a meeting which was talking about this. I have been reading the bill again, and I do realise that I am very valuable. I nearly burst out saying, I will only leave the country when this bill becomes law.

Foolhardy, stupid, blind, deaf, dumb. That is me.

But, it is not yet law.

I heard that one of our homegrown musician is soon releasing a gay bashing music video. Will be very interesting, that. Are we going to become another Jamaica? Can this bill be killed?

Cameron wants such singers banned. In Uganda, they will be lionised.

The Family in America. Shadowy, powerful, including politicians like Bahati- or NOT.... I like the ins and outs of American politics. Open and out there, but as full as back room deals as, ahem, Britain? I liked the story that Tony Blair promised the Prime Ministership to Brown at a breakfast table... Hey, I do hear rumours! Ever heard of 'Radio Katwe'? The grapevine, in Ugandan parlace.

The Family has no identifiable Internet site, no office number and no official spokesman. J. Robert Hunter, a member who has spoken publicly about the group, said that it was unfair to blame the Family for the anti-gay legislation introduced by David Bahati. Mr. Hunter said that about 30 Family members, all Americans, active in Africa recently conveyed their dismay about the legislation to Ugandan politicians, including Mr. Bahati.

But, you know what, I have also heard of the Mafia, and the film the Godfather.... Is there any difference between the family and, and, or am I being insulting in my ignorance?

What I am really glad about is that Bahati's erstwhile mentors are challenging him, and conveying their dismay. It is kind of tough for him to blame the 'homosexual agenda' for everyone from Rick Warren to others thinking the bill is wrong.


But, will he re-think it?


Hey, as I write, the Monitor and the New Vision seem not to have got the 'news'. Will be interesting how it is spun. But, do you want to read though a hilarious and accurate analysis of what is going on in Uganda? Just check this one out. Made me smile, 


and now, have to get to bed, though have barely checked all the 'news'


Be well






gug