President Barack Obama on Sunday
condemned an anti-gay bill in Uganda.
Various outlets reported on Friday that
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni planned on signing the bill into
law. The measure proposes life imprisonment for people repeatedly
convicted of having consensual sex with a member of the same sex.
(Related: Uganda's
Yoweri Museveni to sign anti-gay bill.)
“As a country and a people, the
United States has consistently stood for the protection of
fundamental freedoms and universal human rights,” the president
said in a statement. “We believe that people everywhere should be
treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have
the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they
are or whom they love.”
“That is why I am so deeply
disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would
criminalize homosexuality. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda,
once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay
community in Uganda. It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and
reflect poorly on Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human
rights of its people. It also will mark a serious setback for all
those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and
equal rights.”
“As we have conveyed to President
Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued
relationship with Uganda. At a time when, tragically, we are seeing
an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members
of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in
Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the
human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons.”