With all the positive stories of gay rights, it can
sometimes be easy to forget just how rampant homophobia is across the globe. We
need to be reminded that homophobia is alive and well. In Russia you have the
propaganda law, several US states are considering pro-discrimination laws and,
of course, there is Uganda.
The African country became infamous in 2009 when a bill
appeared before the Ugandan Parliament that would make homosexuality a capital
offence! Thankfully, due to a massive international outcry, the bill never passed
and so never became law. Unfortunately another anti-gay bill was introduced
last year that would make homosexuality punishable by life in prison. Despite
another international outcry, the Parliament passed it and on Monday President
Museveni signed the bill into law.
The West needs to take a concerted effort against Uganda
and its disgusting law. Already Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands have cut or
frozen aid that they give to Uganda. Canada, the US and UK are also considering
cutting their aid. So long as the aid is redirected to another poor country, I
fully support the measure. It may be too late to influence Uganda, but a strong
action taken by the West would deter other countries from considering similar
legislation.
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the
oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the
tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when
human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become
irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race,
religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the
centre of the universe.”
-
Elie Wiesel
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