Fearful of retribution, some of Uganda’s MPs want to debate the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in private, according to a March 31 article in the Observer (UG). The article lists 35 MPs who have gone on record as supporting the bill. Others interviewed for article refused to express a position.
There may be some truth in their concerns. It seems likely that travel restrictions will be imposed by some foreign governments on MPs who support the bill. Uganda will take hits to several sectors of their economy if the bill passes and becomes law.
However, having debate in private will do little to change these consequences. Foreign interests have made it quite clear that passage of the human rights disaster that is the Anti-Homosexuality Bill will lead to a re-evaluation of relationships in Uganda.
Category: sexual orientation
Uganda Watch: David Bahati Vows to Press Ahead with His Anti-Gay Bill
Recently, a delegation from the Kennedy Center visited Uganda and spoke with various politicians, including mover of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, David Bahati. In this NTV clip, Bahati sounds resolved to continue with his crusade.
Parliament is currently on recess, subject to the Speaker’s recall.
Bahati continues to frame his bill as a child protection measure despite the fact that existing laws already cover offenses against minors. Moreover, every gay organization in Uganda supports penalties for child molestation.
Uganda Watch: President Says There is No Discrimination Against Gays in Uganda
Speaking to a delegation from the Robert F. Kennedy Center, Uganda’s President Yowari Museveni sounded moderate tones in discussing homosexuality yesterday.
Contrary to numerous reports of discrimination and violence, Museveni said that in Uganda, “there is no discrimination, no killings, no marginalization, no luring of young people using money into homosexual acts”. Perhaps he means there shouldn’t be such actions, but the country’s Parliament needs to put away the Anto-Homosexuality Bill before his words can have any credibility.
Currently, Parliament is on recess to get constituent feedback on the contentious Marriage and Divorce Bill. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill remains at #3 on the list of items to be considered.
Uganda Watch: Anti-Gay Bill Next to be Considered by Parliament (UPDATED)
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 continues to move up and down the list of items to be considered next by Uganda’s Parliament. Today, it is the third item but the first bill to be considered once current business is completed.
Several bills have leapfrogged over the anti-gay bill in the last several weeks and so the position of the anti-gay bill on any given day is not necessary an indicator of when the bill will come to the floor, if at all. However, Speaker Kadaga continues to keep it on the agenda.
UPDATE: The order paper for today (3/14/13) maintains the same order of business with the anti-gay bill still being third on the list of business to follow the current action on the floor.
Uganda's Anti-Gay Bill Next Up on the Parliament's Agenda (UPDATED)
UPDATE: On today’s (2/20) Order Paper, the AHB has been moved down to 5th on the list of items to be considered next. It is hard to know what to make of the Speaker’s erratic scheduling but it may be an effort to keep observers off guard. In any case, the bill remains on the agenda and may come up at any time Speaker Kadaga wants to move it forward.
According to today’s agenda, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is the first bill to be considered after today’s business is completed. Since today’s agenda is quite full, I imagine that some of what is planned for today will carry over until tomorrow. Thus, it seems unlikely that the bill will come up tomorrow. If the Speaker’s priorities remain the same, it could come to the floor Thursday or early next week. Here is the line up of business to follow today’s work.
(B) BILLS THIRD READING
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE BILL, 2009
(Hon. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs)
- ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE OF BUSINESS TO FOLLOW
- THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL, 2009
- PETITION OF THE PEOPLE OF BULEGENI TOWN COUNCIL IN BULAMBULI DISTRICT
- REPORT OF THE ADHOC COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING THE ELECTRICITY SUB SECTOR
- REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS ON THE REPORT OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL FOR THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
KAMPALA
19TH FEBRUARY 2013
It appears that the bill will come up for a second and third reading at some point in the next two weeks. Given the opposition of the Executive branch, it may be that some maneuver will take place at the last minute to keep it from a vote. However, it appears that the bill will make it to the floor soon.