Fudge-Capitol.JPG

Congressional Black Caucus chair Marcia Fudge, a Democrat from Warrensville Heights, signed a letter to urge Secretary of State John Kerry to reconsider aid to countries that discriminate against gay people.

(Sabrina Eaton, The Plain Dealer)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus are asking Secretary of State John Kerry to review U.S. foreign aid to countries such as Uganda that are passing laws to criminalize homosexuality.

In a March 18 letter to Kerry, Fudge and other caucus members expressed "grave concern about the recent tide of anti-LGBT rhetoric and legislation in Africa and around the world," noting that at least 78 countries have penalties for adult consensual sex.

"We are especially concerned about the enactment of draconian laws in Uganda and Nigeria in recent weeks and the effect that may have in other countries," such as Kenya and Malawi, where legislatures "reportedly are beginning to consider similar draft laws," the letter said.

"Such laws not only violate human rights, they endanger lives and undermine public health efforts, mot notably programs to address HIV/AIDS, which must be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner in order to be effective," said the letter written by California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and signed by the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus.

According to Amnesty International, homosexuality is illegal in 38 African countries and is punishable by death in Mauritania, Sudan, northern Nigeria and southern Somalia.

Nigeria recently passed a law that bans gay marriage, orders a 10-year prison sentence for people who make a "public show" of same-sex relationships, and punishes people for supporting gay clubs and organizations.

Kerry expressed outrage about the passage of a law in Uganda that punishes homosexual conduct with a 14-year sentence for first-time offenders, and life imprisonment for those judged guilty of "aggravated homosexuality." He said the new law is prompting the United States to review its relationship with Uganda's government "to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values."

"From Nigeria to Russia and Uganda, we are working globally to promote and protect the human rights of all persons," said a statement released by Kerry. "The United States will continue to stand against any efforts to marginalize, criminalize, and penalize vulnerable persons in any society."

The letter Fudge signed applauded his decision to review the United States' relationship with Uganda and urged him to expand that review to include all countries aided by the United States, and to "reprogram assistance, where feasible, away from governments that support discriminatory laws."

"While we must recognize the sovereignty of all nations, we must also ensure that international human rights standards are upheld everywhere," the letter said.