Obama warns Uganda over anti-gay law
Updated: 2014-02-17 13:45
(Agencies)
|
||||||||
RANCHO MIRAGE - US President Barack Obama warned Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday that enacting an anti-gay law would complicate US relations with Uganda and would be a "step backward for all Ugandans."
Obama, on a weekend golf holiday in Southern California, issued a statement denouncing Museveni's plans to sign a law that would impose harsh sentences for those convicted of homosexual acts.
His national security adviser, Susan Rice, said via Twitter that she had spoken by phone to Museveni on Saturday night to protest after he told members of his party that he would sign the law.
"As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda," Obama said.
A senior Obama administration official said if the legislation is enacted, the United States would review US relations with Uganda. The United States is one of the largest donors of foreign aid to Uganda, sending more than $400 million a year in recent years.
The bill was first introduced in 2009 and initially proposed a death sentence for homosexual acts, but was amended to prescribe jail terms including life in jail for what it called aggravated homosexuality.
Homosexuality is taboo in many African countries. It is illegal in 37 nations on the continent, and activists say that few Africans are openly gay, fearing imprisonment, violence and loss of their jobs.
Obama, a Democrat who has lobbied to expand rights for gay Americans and supports same-sex marriage, said he was deeply disappointed by Uganda's plans.
Museveni last month had indicated he was planning to shelve the bill, which has drawn fierce criticism from Western donors and human rights groups.
"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," Obama said.
People should be treated equally and "should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love," said Obama.
|
- World's largest freshwater lake frozen
- American photographer wins World Press Photo 2013
- Zhou Yang retains women's 1500m title
- Renzi set to become Italy's youngest PM
- Kissing contest celebrates Valentine's Day in Beijing
- Xinjiang quake damage could have been worse
- US East Coast buried in snow
- China's Li wins women's 500m gold
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Another one on the way |
Life after glory of victory |
Dongguan bids to clean up its act |
Games bid to boost winter sports |
Sochi Olympics |
Professionals find appetite for etiquette |
Today's Top News
Dallas shooting kills one, injures six
High-rise security tightened after stunt
Shelters reveal flaws in child welfare
Precipitation expected to clear up smog-filled skies
Police reveal details of Xinjiang terrorist attack
Canadian immigration changes called unfair
Finding real wealth in health industry
Courts try to improve efficiency
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |