By Melanie Nathan, Feb 11, 2013.

Ugandan LGBTI community is bracing itself for the moment that they knew would come, but hoped would not, as they report that The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, also known as the Kill the Gays Bill, is scheduled for its second debate tomorrow, in Uganda’s Parliament. This could lead to swift passage if President Museveni assents to it, by signing the Bill.

The President could choose not to assent to it, and then it will return to the Parliament for further debate. After the President returns it for a second time, the bill could see passage, without the President’s signature, on a two third majority vote. Because the bill is a Private Member Bill, having been introduced by MP David Bahati, the President has not veto power.

The Bill had to pass the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to get to this point. It has been rumored that the Committee has suggested that the death penalty be removed, but until such time as the report is seen in parliament, there is no proof of this assertion.

The Bill will still provide life in prison for homosexuality, to include gays and lesbians. It will also provide prison sentences for those who fail to report known homosexuals as well as harsh punishment for the so called “promotion” of homosexuality, this will enable the Government to in effect ban NGO’s who assist LGBT Ugandans from operating in Uganda.

There has been no other indication of a minority report being available at this time, except for this comment from The Ugandan Civil Societies Coalition who have noted: “Members of the Ugandan parliament have stepped out of the majority to present their views about the Anti Homosexuality bill with a draft Minority Report. The members belong to the Legal and Parliamentary committee of parliament of We hope that the Minority report will be permitted for hearing when the bill is tabled.”

The Ugandan Parliament is said to be 90% in favor of the Bill.

While the last thing Ugandans appreciate is interference from the West, one wonders how our new Secretary of State, John Kerry, will deal with this situation. Previous Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was very proactive in her comments against the possible passage of such a bill.

If the bill is passed and the Ugandan Government starts to make arrests, and notwithstanding the assertions of Sovereignty as a right to pass the Bill, it is highly likely that the brave Kuchus of Uganda will challenge the Constitutionality of the law. In essence the public debate may have only just began.

UPDATED:

http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/02/12/anti-gay-bill-on-ugandan-agenda-together-with-request-to-borrow-millions-from-islamic-dev-bank/

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