In the light of debates this week in the Ugandan Parliament, which could result in the much publicised Anti-Homosexuality bill becoming law, the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement calls upon all people, Christian and otherwise, to make known their opposition to these deeply flawed, inhumane and unjust proposals.
While it would appear that key people behind the proposed legislation such as MP David Bahati and Pastor Martin Ssempa, have moved away from a call for the death penalty, if passed the new law would still mean imprisonment under appalling conditions for those ‘convicted’ of homosexuality – for life in some cases.
And in a deeply conservative society with deeply entrenched homophobia such draconian worsening of the law (homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda) will send out the worst possible message.
Rev Sharon Ferguson Chief Executive of LGCM said:
“There is nothing Christian, ethical, or just about this Bill. It is the mirror opposite of everything Christ taught. We appeal to Prime Minister David Cameron and the United Kingdom Government to join with others in a clear condemnation of this potential move. We urge the Prime Minister to remind the Ugandan Government that their determined programme of denying human rights to their own citizens will make them a pariah state.”
Rev Ferguson added:
“It is to be remembered that many LGBT people in Uganda are themselves Christians and Christianity is not restricted just to hateful expressions which diminish human life. David Kato, the gay activist who was murdered recently, was just one such Christian believer. We applaud all Christians and others who have stood up and continue to do so against this evil and injustice. We honour especially the courage of the Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, a very vocal opponent of the Bill.”
