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Uganda might punish homosexuals with death penalty

A proposed law in Uganda that would require execution of some homosexuals has stirred much controversy not only within the country but all around the world, reports Christian Telegraph.

According to LifeSiteNews.com, the Ugandan measure has four aims: (a) defining "marriage in Uganda as that contracted only between a man and a woman; (b) prohibit and penalize homosexual behavior and related practices in Uganda as they constitute a threat to the traditional family; (c) prohibit ratification of any international treaties, conventions, protocols, agreements and declarations which are contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act; (d) prohibit the licensing of organizations which promote homosexuality.

New legislation would raise 14 years sentence to prison for engaging in homosexual acts to life imprisonment or death penalty.

Several news agencies noted that the measure was influenced by three American Christians: Scott Lively, an author of several books opposing homosexuality; Caleb Lee Brundidge, former homosexual who leads recovery workshops; and Don Schmierer, a board member of Exodus International ministry that was actually one of the first to express concern over the legislation.

In March 2009 these Christians held a conference in the capital of Uganda, Kampala. The theme of the conference was “gay agenda” – speakers spoke of the threat homosexuals posed to Bible-based values and the traditional African family. While in Uganda Scott Lively also addressed to members of the Parliament. As he says in his report from Kampala, posted on the Defend the Family site, “there were from fifty to one hundred persons in attendance, including numerous legislators and the Minister of Ethics and Integrity.” Just about a month after the end of the conference a special motion to introduce the legislation was passed.

One of the main concerns of Christian ministries and leaders is that the bill would require authority figures to report homosexuals within 24 hours of discovering their behavior, and if they fail to do so, such leaders could be punished with up to three years in prison. That would stop homosexuals from coming to churches because of the fear of being reported to the police. California mega-church pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kate strongly condemned the proposed law. In his open letter addressed to pastors of Uganda, pastor Warren writes, "If this bill passed, homosexuals who are HIV-positive will be reluctant to seek or receive care, comfort and compassion from our churches out of fear of being reported."

However according to Catholic World News report, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, echoing a recent statement by the nation’s bishops, has made clear his opposition to homosexuality activity but asked the legislature to remove a provision from a bill that would impose the death penalty in cases of homosexual rape and homosexual activity by a person with HIV.

Parliament discussions in Uganda over passing of the bill will begin in February or March 2010.

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TAGS: Uganda Yoweri Museveni anti-homosexual law life imprisonment death penalty Scott Lively Rick Warren

[01/14/2010]

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