U.S. Calls For Repeal Of Ugandan Law Criminalizing Homosexuality

News sources continue to cover international reaction to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni’s signing of an Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Reuters: U.S. says reviewing relationship with Uganda government
“The United States said on Monday it is reviewing its relationship with Uganda’s government, including U.S. assistance programs that are heavily focused on fighting HIV/AIDS, after its president signed a law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality…” (Wroughton, 2/25).

Reuters: White House says Uganda takes step backward by signing gay legislation
“The White House sharply criticized Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday for signing legislation that imposes harsh penalties for homosexuality, calling it a step backward…” (Holland, 2/24).

Reuters: Ugandan president signs anti-gay bill, defying the West
“Uganda’s president signed a law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality on Monday, defying protests from rights groups, criticism from Western donors and a U.S. warning that it will complicate relations…” (Biryabarema, 2/24).

The Hill’s “Briefing Room”: White House blasts Ugandan anti-gay bill
“…White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ‘regrettably’ chose to endorse the legislation, which strengthens penalties against homosexuals, ‘instead of standing on the side of freedom, justice, and equal rights’…” (Sink, 2/24).

The Hill’s “Global Affairs”: Kerry to Uganda: Repeal anti-gay law — or else
“Secretary of State John Kerry demanded Monday that Uganda ‘repeal’ its new anti-gay law and warned that the State Department has begun a ‘review’ of U.S. assistance to the impoverished East African nation…” (Pecquet, 2/24).

The Hill’s “Floor Action”: Coons: Uganda’s anti-gay bill is ‘shameful’
“Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) condemned Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni Monday for signing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. ‘The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons are universal human rights and deserve to be respected around the world,’ Coons said Monday…” (Cox, 2/24).

Devex: Netherlands to review support for CSOs backing Ugandan anti-gay bill
“…The Netherlands, for instance — whose bilateral aid to Uganda for 2014 amounts to €22 million euros ($30.21 million) — had already suspended its direct budget support to the government, and is now considering what to do with civil society organizations receiving Dutch aid that will be found to have backed the bill…” (Ravelo, 2/24).

Wall Street Journal: Uganda President Signs Antigay Bill into Law
“Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed into law a controversial antigay bill, setting the stage for a showdown with Western donors and rights activists opposed to the legislation…” (Bariyo, 2/24).

Science Speaks: Ugandan President signs anti-homosexuality bill, hinders HIV/AIDS control efforts
“Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed into law [Monday] an anti-homosexuality bill which criminalizes homosexual acts, despite vocal opposition by the West and global health leaders who say such legislation not only violates human rights, but will reverse gains made in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda, where over 1.5 million people are living with HIV…” (Aziz, 2/24).

Associated Press: Uganda tabloid prints list of ‘top’ homosexuals
“A Ugandan newspaper published a list Tuesday of what it called the country’s ‘200 top’ homosexuals, outing some Ugandans who previously had not identified themselves as gay one day after the president enacted a harsh anti-gay law…” (Muhumuza, 2/25).

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