UPDATE: US Embassy weighs in…
Defiant amidst controversy, Ethics and Integrity Minister Buturo spoke out about issues facing the Ugandan government and referenced the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009.
Government vows to fight homosexuality
By Carolyne Muyama
The Government of Uganda has warned sections of the media engaged in promoting immorality to stop or face penalty. The Bukedde Newspaper one of the local dailies has been singled out for its persistent promotion of pornographic material.
Addressing the press this morning the minister for Ethics and Integrity Hon. Nsaba Buturo said, “Bukedde is a persistent promoter of these vices and if they don’t change the editor will get arrested. As for the radio stations promoting witchcraft we are giving them last warning, we shall close.” Uganda is facing a new trend of crimes like human sacrifice, defilement, pornography and homosexuality.
However, government has sworn to fight these crimes that are mainly attributed to forces of globalization. “Some Ugandans are selfish and they can do anything to get money so they are simply driven by the urge to make money. On certain issues we are not going to sell our souls.
The issue of homosexuality, let them forget,” said Nsaba Buturo. A new law to comprehensively address pornography which is responsible for some of the immorality in the country is before cabinet and very soon it will be put before parliament for debate.
Meanwhile the government has appealed to the media, entertainment industry and the general public to guard against promoting immorality
Lynn David (thanks) posted a good article link to the Facebook page. I think this is going to hit the State Department level soon.
By “other changes” I meant any action towards removing this bill, not compromises or changes to the bill.
If they can be moved some (considering change), perhaps they can be moved to do the rest and the best. Defeat the bill.
Not suggesting a compromise. Take the death penalty out and it’s still an outrageous afront to human rights. Still disgusting.
This bill must be defeated/withdrawn in it’s entirety. I was pointing out that united voices, especially coming from the Christian community, can indeed have an impact.
Shhhh!!! Just don’t use the word ‘compromise’…I tried it and got absolutely nowhere!
Actually, I believe it was Warren who said that a statement from Rick Warren might be forthcoming.
Very interest article, Debbie — if they can remove the death penaly part of the Bill in response to internal and external pressure, perhaps they can make other changes.
Even if it is not enforced, simply having this law on the books is an assault on basic human freedoms.
Another interesting article in Uganda’s Daily Monitor.
See the comment I just made in the “Ugandan Parliament begins public debate on Anti-Homosexuality Bill” thread.
Concerning Rick Warren who – I think it was Michael Bussee who said he was going to come out with a statement soon. I would not expect it. When it comes to gay rights, Rick Warren has no good standing. This was written about him by allAfrica.com concerning the Lambeth Conference and Bishop Gene Robinson in 2008….
I am not sure what liberties they took when paraphrasing Rick Warren and thus did not directly quote that he said to the effect that, “homosexuality is not a natural way of life and thus not a human right.” Even so, I figure he is just as culpable as Schmierer, Lively and Brundidge and their organizations for not providing a clear and proper message.
…
And in the fight against immorality, the fighter loses his moral self.
I completely agree with everything Warren said, above.
Warren,
I agree. I wanted my post to be simple and clear to anyone from Uganda who supported the bill. I am not against them being against homosexuality. That must be foundational else, our conversations go nowhere.
As much as I abhore the misplaced fear onto homosexuals, I do understand and want others to know that they are heard.
Mary – Displacement knows no cultural barriers. I can feel their fear, but I can also see how it is displaced. Here is where the three Americans going to Uganda is relevant. Those three could have given the Ugandan people a balanced picture. Maintain your moral views but place them in the context of original sin and the nature of man. Present science as it is not how you would like it to be. Respect the dignity of all people which means the freedom to choose. Coerced morality is not what God wants from his people.
The three Americans and the organizations they are affiliated with have some responsibility here to correct the stereotypes and misinformation they presented. IHF has done nothing, said nothing but give us more money. Scott Lively sent me a statement that I will put up soon but still he stands his harmful mischaracterizations of gays and Exodus has denounced the law on their blog but has not issued a press release or taken steps to examine the misinformation presented to the Ugandan audience.
Can it be that the culture and environment of homosexuality in Uganda looks very different from ours – or in some ways too similar? Not every heterosexual is free of sexual sin and niether are homosexuals. Does anyone see how our own culture can be viewed? I do.
I don’t like death or imprisonment for homosexual acts and would like to see another solution for Uganda. Not to change their perspective of homosexuality but to change their perspective on how to treat homosexuals.
Always distressing when loving someone of your own sex is likened to human sacrifice. Truly sad. Truly scary.
I can see their perspective and feel their angst over this. I really can.
Interesting story here.
Uganda (i.e., those speaking for its government and certain family organizations/churches) obviously didn’t begin feeling this way overnight. How did all this vitriol fly under the radar until now??? Or did it?