UPDATED Obama Denounces Anti-Homosexuality Bill In Uganda

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

CAITLIN MACNEAL – FEBRUARY 16, 2014, 3:16 PM EST

President Obama on Sunday criticized the Anti-Homosexuality Bill soon to be enacted in Uganda. Read Obama's full statement:

As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights. We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.

That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalize homosexuality. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda. It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people. It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights.

As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda. At a time when, tragically, we are seeing an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons.

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Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/obama-anti-homosexuality-uganda

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UPDATE

Obama Condemns Uganda’s Tough Antigay Measure
By SARAH WHEATONFEB. 16, 2014

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — President Obama on Sunday condemned a measure to criminalize homosexuality in Uganda, publicly warning the country’s president that such discrimination could harm its relationship with the United States.

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda signaled on Friday that he was likely to sign a bill that would punish the “the promotion or recognition” of same-sex relations with as much as life in prison.

“As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda,” Mr. Obama said in his statement.

The bill, Mr. Obama added, “will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda.”

“It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people,” the president said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/17/world/africa/obama-condemns-tough-antigay-measure-in-uganda.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140217


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Top Obama adviser Susan Rice urges Ugandan president not to sign anti-LGBT law
By Reuters
Sunday, February 16, 2014 14:01 EST

President Barack Obama’s national security adviser urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday not to sign an anti-gay law, saying it would be a “huge step backward” for Uganda and the world.

Susan Rice said she had spoken by phone to Museveni on Saturday night after he told members of his party that he would sign the law, which imposes harsh sentences for those convicted of homosexual acts.

Museveni last month had indicated he was planning to shelve the bill, which has attracted fierce criticism from Western donors and human rights groups since its inception in 2009.

“People everywhere deserve freedom, justice, and equality. No one should be discriminated against for who they are or whom they love,” Rice said via Twitter.

more
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/16/top-obama-adviser-susan-rice-urges-ugandan-president-not-to-sign-anti-lgbt-law/

[JDPriestly]

1. Bravo! Mr. President.

[Skittles]

2. thank you President Obama

[Stratosgc]

3. Americans caused this tragic situation

The ignorant Ugandan leaders bought the load of crap from the American preachers like Pat Robertson Dobson and their ilk that homosexuality was a sin and the root of all evil in a nation. I am beginning to think that the root or all evil in the world is christain leaders like Robertson and Dobson. Good for our President to denounce Uganda's actions but it is really our fault that the Ugandan government is doing this.