The LGBT news from around the world keeps getting worse. The Ugandan Parliament today passed a bill that criminalizes the “promotion” of “homosexuality” and can lead to life imprisonment for those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality.” Several other countries have had similar recent news.
The Uganda bill still has to be signed by President Yoweri Museveni. HRC indicates that he does not favor the bill — but in the world of politics, I think nothing is certain. Regardless, LGBT people in Uganda face constant risk, as Clare Byarugaba, co-coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law in Kampala, Uganda, and journalist Andy Kopsa report. (Warning: Graphic images of violence.)
Nigerian lawmakers passed a bill earlier this week that would impose prison sentences on same-sex couples who marry or show public displays of affection, as well as on anyone who advocates LGBT rights, writes J. Lester Feder at BuzzFeed.
India’s Supreme Court last week upheld the constitutionality of the country’s 19th-century sodomy law, in effect recriminalizing same-sex relations, and to send the issue back to lawmakers.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission wrote this week to Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani, expressing their concern over “continuing and systematic state persecution” of those perceived to be LGBT, and the criminalization of consensual same-sex sexual relations.
And Russia’s record on LGBT rights is well known, what with the upcoming Olympics. President Obama is making a statement by keeping top U.S. officials away from the Sochi Olympics and instead sending a pointed delegation with lesbian and gay athletes: Billie Jean King, Caitlin Cahow, and Brian Boitano.
President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and UN Ambassador Samantha Power have all included LGBT rights among the human rights we must champion abroad. Now, I think, comes the time to step up our efforts in all countries where being LGBT is a crime. I’m not sure what the best course of action is for us everyday folks, but writing to the members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees, telling them to keep the pressure on, can’t hurt.
No matter the battles we face in the U.S. for equality, understanding, and safety, we should nevertheless remember we are in a privileged position. Let’s use that position to help others.