A college psychology professor's observations about public policy, mental health, sexual identity, and religious issues
This is interesting.
I cannot make a sound inference from these statements from the Speaker. This seems more defiant than some believe is wise in Uganda. But here he is declaring his independence from his party’s leader and President.
It ain’t over til it’s over.
There are many ways to help but I want to list several here:
Donate $10 to the Red Cross to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting “HAITI” to “90999.”
My church, the Evangelical Free Church in America has this portal for more information and a way to help.
I know there are many church groups who are reaching out. Commenters, if you hear of credible, reliable sources and initiatives, please post them.
And. Pray.
If yesterday was yang, then I guess today is yin.
The foreign minister said today that the Anti-Homosexuality is alive and waiting for more discussion. This from Voice of America:
The Ugandan foreign minister denies the government is backing away from proposed anti-gay legislation because of foreign policy implications, saying the government is still discussing its position on the issue. Gay rights activists express caution over reports the president has backed away from the bill.
I suspect many such reports will emerge from Uganda.
Meanwhile, Oregon Senator Wyden suggested that the AHB could place Uganda in violation of US trade law.
This morning, The Independent, a Ugandan daily, published an article from me on sexual orientation and the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Titled, “What makes someone gay and can people change orientation?” I wanted to provide an honest summary of the issues surrounding causation and change.
The article begins:
Defending the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, Hon. David Bahati told the BBC, “It’s [homosexuality] not an inborn orientation, it’s a behaviour learnt – and it can be unlearnt.” Is this true?
Hon. Bahati’s assertion is not consistent with current research on sexuality. While much is being learned about sexuality, the reasons why sexual attractions take the direction they do for any given person is not well known. There are many theories but no clear answers. I think this is a surprising fact for many people.
I am not going to post the rest here because I want you to go visit the Independent, rate the piece and perhaps even make a comment.
UPDATE: Oh my, I made an error in the piece which will not be corrected until the morning in Uganda. Here is a comment I just left under the article:
Thanks to Uganda Talks for posting this column. There is one correction that I need to post.
In the section describing the Exodus International study, I wrote:
Just over 20% of subjects remaining in the study reported some degree of movement from straight to gay but most did not.
However, that sentence should read instead:
Just over 20% of subjects remaining in the study reported some degree of movement from being attracted to the same sex toward developing attractions to the opposite sex, but most did not.
I am very sorry for any confusion caused by the error.
Today, the Voice of America did a program on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill today featuring Jeff Sharlet, David Bahati, Matt Kavanagh and Olara A. Otunnu.
For now, it is downloadable, go give it a view…