BROAD CHURCH PETITIONS AGAINST THE ANTIGAY BILL

UGANDA ¨C 01 March 2010: Church leaders, human rights activists and HIV and AIDS service providers are meeting with the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Edward Ssekandi Kiwanuk in Kampala on today to petition against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that would imprison and execute gay Ugandans and impose fines and jail sentences on family members and confidents.

Canon Gideon Byamugisha, an ordained priest who is part of the delegation says, "This bill is not about preserving Ugandan culture and traditions. On the contrary it is violating our cultures, traditions and religious values that teach against intolerance, injustice, hatred and violence."

He adds, "We need laws to protect people, not ones that will humiliate, ridicule, persecute and kill them. In the interests of safer, healthier, more peaceful, and more productive lives for all Ugandans, we are requesting that the bill be withdrawn."

The delegation will deliver a letter addressed to Parliamentarians from concerned Ugandans. They will also deliver a solidarity petition signed by nearly half a million people from every country in the world.

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Background note

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill was tabled in Parliament last year. Last month President Yoweri Museveni sent the bill for review by Uganda's Parliamentary Committee. Provisions in the bill include:

¡¤ homosexuals to be punished with life in prison or executed if there is repeated

activity.

¡¤ large fines and jail for citizens in a position of authority who do not report

knowledge of homosexual activity within 24 hours - this would not exclude parents,

lawyers, priests, or elders who may be approached for pastoral or legal support.

¡¤ seven years in prison anyone who aids or abets homosexual activities - this could

include HIV/AIDs prevention organisations.

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