Sur Rue89 / Tetu : « Le régime ougandais jette les homosexuels en pâture »
Une interview a lire >>>ici<<<
Dans Illico
Ouganda : une loi contre l'homosexualité n'est pas nécessaire selon un ministre
Le projet de loi aggravant la criminalisation de l'homosexualité en Ouganda, dénoncé par de nombreux pays et organisations, "n'est pas nécessaire", a déclaré vendredi à l'AFP le ministre d'Etat pour les investissements Aston Kajara, affirmant s'exprimer au nom du gouvernement.
Ce projet de loi, qui rendrait dans certains cas des homosexuels passibles de la peine de mort, a été critiqué par de nombreux pays, dont les Etats-Unis qui avaient appelé le mois dernier le président ougandais Yoweri Museveni à y mettre son veto.
"La position du gouvernement est que les dispositions en vigueur dans notre code pénal contre l'homosexualité sont suffisamment fortes, et que ce nouveau texte n'est pas nécessaire", a déclaré Aston Kajara à l'issue d'une réunion du conseil des ministres.
L'homosexualité est déjà réprimée par la loi en Ouganda et passible de la prison à perpétuité.
Un texte déposé en octobre dernier par un parlementaire ougandais, au nom de la lutte contre la "promotion de l'homosexualité", se propose de durcir encore ces dispositions, et prévoit notamment la peine de mort pour le viol d'un mineur par une personne de même sexe ou par un malade du sida.
Le texte, qui témoigne de l'influence grandissante en Ouganda des églises les plus virulentes contre l'homosexualité selon ses détracteurs, rendrait également délictuelle toute discussion publique sur l'homosexualité, et rendrait passible de poursuites un propriétaire qui louerait un logement à un homosexuel.
Si Aston Kajara, chargé entre autres de veiller à l'attractivité et à la bonne image de son pays à l'étranger, a souligné exprimer le point de vue de son gouvernement, un des principaux partisans du projet de loi au sein du cabinet a maintenu pour sa part sa position.
"C'est moi qui dois être la personne qualifiée pour parler au nom du gouvernement", a assuré le ministre de l'Ethique et de l'Intégrité, James Nsaba Buturo, un fervent partisan du texte, qui a répété à de nombreuses reprises que "les homosexuels pouvaient oublier les droits de l'homme".
Le projet de loi a été critiqué par le Canada, la France, le Parlement européen, ainsi que par de nombreuses organisations de défense des droits de l'Homme.
Mis en ligne le 08/01/2010
Le projet de loi aggravant la criminalisation de l'homosexualité en Ouganda, dénoncé par de nombreux pays et organisations, "n'est pas nécessaire", a déclaré vendredi à l'AFP le ministre d'Etat pour les investissements Aston Kajara, affirmant s'exprimer au nom du gouvernement.
Ce projet de loi, qui rendrait dans certains cas des homosexuels passibles de la peine de mort, a été critiqué par de nombreux pays, dont les Etats-Unis qui avaient appelé le mois dernier le président ougandais Yoweri Museveni à y mettre son veto.
"La position du gouvernement est que les dispositions en vigueur dans notre code pénal contre l'homosexualité sont suffisamment fortes, et que ce nouveau texte n'est pas nécessaire", a déclaré Aston Kajara à l'issue d'une réunion du conseil des ministres.
L'homosexualité est déjà réprimée par la loi en Ouganda et passible de la prison à perpétuité.
Un texte déposé en octobre dernier par un parlementaire ougandais, au nom de la lutte contre la "promotion de l'homosexualité", se propose de durcir encore ces dispositions, et prévoit notamment la peine de mort pour le viol d'un mineur par une personne de même sexe ou par un malade du sida.
Le texte, qui témoigne de l'influence grandissante en Ouganda des églises les plus virulentes contre l'homosexualité selon ses détracteurs, rendrait également délictuelle toute discussion publique sur l'homosexualité, et rendrait passible de poursuites un propriétaire qui louerait un logement à un homosexuel.
Si Aston Kajara, chargé entre autres de veiller à l'attractivité et à la bonne image de son pays à l'étranger, a souligné exprimer le point de vue de son gouvernement, un des principaux partisans du projet de loi au sein du cabinet a maintenu pour sa part sa position.
"C'est moi qui dois être la personne qualifiée pour parler au nom du gouvernement", a assuré le ministre de l'Ethique et de l'Intégrité, James Nsaba Buturo, un fervent partisan du texte, qui a répété à de nombreuses reprises que "les homosexuels pouvaient oublier les droits de l'homme".
Le projet de loi a été critiqué par le Canada, la France, le Parlement européen, ainsi que par de nombreuses organisations de défense des droits de l'Homme.
Mis en ligne le 08/01/2010
AFP 12 janvier 2010
Anti-gay bill is also foreign policy issue: Ugandan leader
AFP
12/01/2010
KAMPALA — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Tuesday an anti-homosexuality bill which has caused international condemnation was also a foreign policy issue which should be addressed.
With observers arguing the bill could harm foreign support for Uganda, the president distanced himself from senior cabinet members who insist that Uganda will not be swayed by foreign pressure.
"I strongly advise you that we agree that the cabinet sit down with (the bill's sponsor lawmaker David) Bahati and see how best to handle this issue," Museveni said at the ruling National Resistance Movement party's executive conference at State House in Entebbe.
"Because it is a foreign policy issue, it is not just our internal politics, and we must handle it in a way which does not compromise our principles but also takes into account our foreign policy interests," he said, in a speech broadcast by the independent KFM radio station.
"So let's be systematic among ourselves, and then we dialogue with these Europeans and the Americans and then we shall come up with a final position," he added.
The draft law has been harshly condemned by the United States and European Union but Ugandan Minister for Ethics and Integrity James Nsaba Buturo, one of the bill's leading proponents, insists that Uganda will not be moved by foreign criticism.
"Nobody, nobody, nobody has the right to think for Ugandans. Nobody has the right to impose their values on a sovereign state," he said last month.
The bill would impose the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", applicable in cases of rape of a minor by a person of the same sex, or where one partner carries the AIDS virus.
It would also criminalise public discussion of homosexuality and could penalise an individual who knowingly rents property to a homosexual.
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, punishable by life imprisonment in some instances. The penal code identifies "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" as an offence.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved
AFP
12/01/2010
KAMPALA — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Tuesday an anti-homosexuality bill which has caused international condemnation was also a foreign policy issue which should be addressed.
With observers arguing the bill could harm foreign support for Uganda, the president distanced himself from senior cabinet members who insist that Uganda will not be swayed by foreign pressure.
"I strongly advise you that we agree that the cabinet sit down with (the bill's sponsor lawmaker David) Bahati and see how best to handle this issue," Museveni said at the ruling National Resistance Movement party's executive conference at State House in Entebbe.
"Because it is a foreign policy issue, it is not just our internal politics, and we must handle it in a way which does not compromise our principles but also takes into account our foreign policy interests," he said, in a speech broadcast by the independent KFM radio station.
"So let's be systematic among ourselves, and then we dialogue with these Europeans and the Americans and then we shall come up with a final position," he added.
The draft law has been harshly condemned by the United States and European Union but Ugandan Minister for Ethics and Integrity James Nsaba Buturo, one of the bill's leading proponents, insists that Uganda will not be moved by foreign criticism.
"Nobody, nobody, nobody has the right to think for Ugandans. Nobody has the right to impose their values on a sovereign state," he said last month.
The bill would impose the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", applicable in cases of rape of a minor by a person of the same sex, or where one partner carries the AIDS virus.
It would also criminalise public discussion of homosexuality and could penalise an individual who knowingly rents property to a homosexual.
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, punishable by life imprisonment in some instances. The penal code identifies "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" as an offence.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved
Dans New Vision
Govt spends more on AIDS fight than the US does
New Vision, Uganda
13/01/2010
By Hamis Kaheru
Dr Freddie Ssengooba’s article titled: “How long will we depend on the US for HIV money?” in The New Vision, January 6, was both awakening and lacking in some respects.
We, at National Medical Stores, which handles part of the supply of ARVs to HIV/AIDS treatment centres, were surprised that the Government was not given due credit for the substantial amount of resources it commits to the fight against the scourge.
The article said: “Between 2004 and 2009, the Uganda government allocated about $3m for HIV while the US government website indicates that $1.2b was allocated to Uganda. This is about 0% compared to PEPFAR allocations for HIV in Uganda.”
While it is highly debatable that the US government could allocate $1.2b to Uganda for HIV/AIDS, it is also important to note that there is significant information to show that most of this aid money never comes into the country in cash. On the other hand, the Government injects much more cash into the purchase of HIV/AIDS medicines, in addition to human, infrastructure and other resources that we rarely quantify in monetary terms as we do for foreign aid.
In just two financial years (2008/9 and 2009/10) the Government has allocated sh60b ($3m) for ARVs alone. This is part of the sh120b the Government provided for the Luzira-based Quality Chemicals to manufacture and provide both ARVs and ACTs, half of which is for ARVs.
In addition, the Government provides money for the budget of the Uganda AIDS Commission and AIDS information services. The Government also pays salaries for health workers and utilities (electricity and water) in hospitals where AIDS patients are treated.
Unfortunately, we seldom quantify these forms of resources in monetary terms, forgetting that foreign aid usually includes salaries, allowances, rent, air tickets and holiday allowances for technical advisers and rent for project offices as well as purchase of fuel and vehicles.
If we quantified all similar contributions which the Government provides towards the fight against AIDS, we would realise that it is not 0% like Dr Ssengooba says.
For the US, even the tea and per diem provided to staff is quantified, but many Ugandans do not quantify every input by their Government, thereby belittling our contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS
The writer is the public relations officer of National Medical Stores
New Vision, Uganda
13/01/2010
By Hamis Kaheru
Dr Freddie Ssengooba’s article titled: “How long will we depend on the US for HIV money?” in The New Vision, January 6, was both awakening and lacking in some respects.
We, at National Medical Stores, which handles part of the supply of ARVs to HIV/AIDS treatment centres, were surprised that the Government was not given due credit for the substantial amount of resources it commits to the fight against the scourge.
The article said: “Between 2004 and 2009, the Uganda government allocated about $3m for HIV while the US government website indicates that $1.2b was allocated to Uganda. This is about 0% compared to PEPFAR allocations for HIV in Uganda.”
While it is highly debatable that the US government could allocate $1.2b to Uganda for HIV/AIDS, it is also important to note that there is significant information to show that most of this aid money never comes into the country in cash. On the other hand, the Government injects much more cash into the purchase of HIV/AIDS medicines, in addition to human, infrastructure and other resources that we rarely quantify in monetary terms as we do for foreign aid.
In just two financial years (2008/9 and 2009/10) the Government has allocated sh60b ($3m) for ARVs alone. This is part of the sh120b the Government provided for the Luzira-based Quality Chemicals to manufacture and provide both ARVs and ACTs, half of which is for ARVs.
In addition, the Government provides money for the budget of the Uganda AIDS Commission and AIDS information services. The Government also pays salaries for health workers and utilities (electricity and water) in hospitals where AIDS patients are treated.
Unfortunately, we seldom quantify these forms of resources in monetary terms, forgetting that foreign aid usually includes salaries, allowances, rent, air tickets and holiday allowances for technical advisers and rent for project offices as well as purchase of fuel and vehicles.
If we quantified all similar contributions which the Government provides towards the fight against AIDS, we would realise that it is not 0% like Dr Ssengooba says.
For the US, even the tea and per diem provided to staff is quantified, but many Ugandans do not quantify every input by their Government, thereby belittling our contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS
The writer is the public relations officer of National Medical Stores
Dans le Guardian
Uganda rows back on draconian anti-gay law after western outrage
The Guardian, UK
14/01/2010
Xan Rice in Nairobi
Uganda has indicated it will bow to international pressure and amend draconian anti-homosexual legislation that includes the death penalty for HIV-positive people convicted of having gay sex.
Breaking his silence on the controversial bill – which was put forward by a member of the ruling party – Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, said it had become a "foreign policy issue" and needed further consultation before being voted on in parliament.
The proposed law, which has been pushed by local evangelical preachers and vocally supported by senior government officials, also threatens life imprisonment for anyone convicted of gay sex.
While broadly supported domestically, the legislation has caused a storm of protest abroad and consternation from western donors who fund a large chunk of Uganda's budget.
Addressing a party conference, Museveni said numerous western leaders had spoken to him about the bill.
"When I was at the Commonwealth conference, what was [the Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper] talking about? The gays. UK prime minister Gordon Brown ... what was he talking about? The gays," said Museveni.
The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, had also called him to express strong concerns about the proposed law, he said. "It's a foreign policy issue, and we must handle it in a way that does not compromise our principles but also takes into account our foreign policy interests."
Museveni said the proposed law did not necessarily reflect party or government policy and his cabinet would discuss the bill with David Bahati, the MP who introduced it, before it was put to a vote.
Homosexuality is already outlawed in Uganda under colonial-era legislation. Such is the stigma attached to gay people that no public figure has ever come out. But in recent years some religious leaders have been warning that tougher measures are needed to prevent an increase in same-sex relationships.
Accusations that gay Europeans are offering money to "recruit" Ugandan schoolchildren – a claim repeated by Museveni during his party speech on Tuesday – also seem to have raised the level of homophobia in the country.
The final impetus for the proposed legislation came after a conference hosted last year by three controversial US evangelists who claimed that homosexuality was a curable habit and warned of the danger of the international gay "agenda". The evangelists have since, however, criticised the severity of the punishments in the proposed law.
Under Bahati's bill, "serial offenders" would join HIV-positive people and those who have sex with under-18s in facing the death penalty if convicted of gay sex. Life imprisonment would apply to those found guilty even of touching someone from the same sex "with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality".
Members of the public would have to report any homosexual activity to police within 24 hours or face up to three years in jail, a provision the bill's opponents say would lead to a witchhunt.
Ugandans living abroad who broke the law could be extradited and punished, under the draft bill.
Before the legislation was introduced to parliament in September, local gay support organisations, whose members already face harassment, threats and workplace intimidation, have been lobbying the government to amend the country's HIV awareness and prevention programmes, which currently exclude homosexuals. But instead of achieving their aims these gay groups would be banned under the new law.
James Nsaba Buturo, minister of state for ethics and integrity, who is a strong supporter of the bill, said before Museveni's speech that it was likely that the death penalty provisions would be dropped because of the international outcry.
But Frank Mugisha, chair of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a Kampala-based coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex groups, said that even if this happened the bill would have "a lot of discrimination in it.
"He [Museveni] seems to be saying that the law should be watered down due to foreign interests. But he should rather be talking about the interests of minorities in Uganda. He should come out and say that the entire bill is just wasting time."
The Guardian, UK
14/01/2010
Xan Rice in Nairobi
Uganda has indicated it will bow to international pressure and amend draconian anti-homosexual legislation that includes the death penalty for HIV-positive people convicted of having gay sex.
Breaking his silence on the controversial bill – which was put forward by a member of the ruling party – Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, said it had become a "foreign policy issue" and needed further consultation before being voted on in parliament.
The proposed law, which has been pushed by local evangelical preachers and vocally supported by senior government officials, also threatens life imprisonment for anyone convicted of gay sex.
While broadly supported domestically, the legislation has caused a storm of protest abroad and consternation from western donors who fund a large chunk of Uganda's budget.
Addressing a party conference, Museveni said numerous western leaders had spoken to him about the bill.
"When I was at the Commonwealth conference, what was [the Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper] talking about? The gays. UK prime minister Gordon Brown ... what was he talking about? The gays," said Museveni.
The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, had also called him to express strong concerns about the proposed law, he said. "It's a foreign policy issue, and we must handle it in a way that does not compromise our principles but also takes into account our foreign policy interests."
Museveni said the proposed law did not necessarily reflect party or government policy and his cabinet would discuss the bill with David Bahati, the MP who introduced it, before it was put to a vote.
Homosexuality is already outlawed in Uganda under colonial-era legislation. Such is the stigma attached to gay people that no public figure has ever come out. But in recent years some religious leaders have been warning that tougher measures are needed to prevent an increase in same-sex relationships.
Accusations that gay Europeans are offering money to "recruit" Ugandan schoolchildren – a claim repeated by Museveni during his party speech on Tuesday – also seem to have raised the level of homophobia in the country.
The final impetus for the proposed legislation came after a conference hosted last year by three controversial US evangelists who claimed that homosexuality was a curable habit and warned of the danger of the international gay "agenda". The evangelists have since, however, criticised the severity of the punishments in the proposed law.
Under Bahati's bill, "serial offenders" would join HIV-positive people and those who have sex with under-18s in facing the death penalty if convicted of gay sex. Life imprisonment would apply to those found guilty even of touching someone from the same sex "with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality".
Members of the public would have to report any homosexual activity to police within 24 hours or face up to three years in jail, a provision the bill's opponents say would lead to a witchhunt.
Ugandans living abroad who broke the law could be extradited and punished, under the draft bill.
Before the legislation was introduced to parliament in September, local gay support organisations, whose members already face harassment, threats and workplace intimidation, have been lobbying the government to amend the country's HIV awareness and prevention programmes, which currently exclude homosexuals. But instead of achieving their aims these gay groups would be banned under the new law.
James Nsaba Buturo, minister of state for ethics and integrity, who is a strong supporter of the bill, said before Museveni's speech that it was likely that the death penalty provisions would be dropped because of the international outcry.
But Frank Mugisha, chair of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a Kampala-based coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex groups, said that even if this happened the bill would have "a lot of discrimination in it.
"He [Museveni] seems to be saying that the law should be watered down due to foreign interests. But he should rather be talking about the interests of minorities in Uganda. He should come out and say that the entire bill is just wasting time."
Rachel Maddow Show : l'ambassadeur d'Haiti VS le télé-pasteur Pat Robertson.
Pat Robertson voit dans le tremblement de terre en Haiti une punition divine contre un pacte passé par l'île avec le Diable, il y a 200 ans. Pour information, Haiti est un des rares territoire où les esclaves se sont libérés eux même pas les armes, il y a ... 200 ans. Pas de commentaire donc, mais juste le dégout de l'ambassadeur d'Haiti.
Et le triste constat que les intégristes protestant Américains n'ont désormais plus de limites, entre rééducation et condamnation de l'homosexualité à mort, dénonciation d'un agenda gay, et manque absolu de compassion envers les populations fragilisées après une catastrophe naturelle. Nous avons résolument le devoir de réagir.
Et le triste constat que les intégristes protestant Américains n'ont désormais plus de limites, entre rééducation et condamnation de l'homosexualité à mort, dénonciation d'un agenda gay, et manque absolu de compassion envers les populations fragilisées après une catastrophe naturelle. Nous avons résolument le devoir de réagir.
Dans le Daily Monitor : le point sur la situation politique en Ouganda
Le parti du president de plus en plus divise autours de la question, craignant desormais des mesures de retorsion. >>> ici <<<
Sur Red Turttle Bulletin : la pression, au congres Americain
Le parlement Americain s'apprete a auditionner afin, eventuellement, d'envisager des mesures de retorsion commerciales. >>> ici <<<
Dans le Nouvel Observateur
Le personnel politique Ougandais sous la pression internationale.
Le gouvernement se contente desormais d'une version ne comprendrait pas la peine de mort, mais uniquement de la prison et de la reeducation pour les homosexuels, de la prison pour les seropositifs non-abstinents ainsi que 3 ans de prison pour complicite (non denonciation). Depeche reproduite dans le Nouvel Observateur et ne comprenant que la nouvelle du retrait des elements les plus outranciers, la peine de mort, >>> ici <<<
Le gouvernement se contente desormais d'une version ne comprendrait pas la peine de mort, mais uniquement de la prison et de la reeducation pour les homosexuels, de la prison pour les seropositifs non-abstinents ainsi que 3 ans de prison pour complicite (non denonciation). Depeche reproduite dans le Nouvel Observateur et ne comprenant que la nouvelle du retrait des elements les plus outranciers, la peine de mort, >>> ici <<<
Dans Jeune Afrique. L'Afrique est-elle homophobe?
Une question d'actualite, rarement traitee, >>> ici <<<
Dans Advocate.com
(en anglais)
Le danger qui plane desormais sur la vie des activistes gays Ougandais, >>> ici <<<
Le danger qui plane desormais sur la vie des activistes gays Ougandais, >>> ici <<<
Dans Yagg : pourquoi et comment ce groupe.
Une interview de Madjid, createur du groupe Facebook, dans Yagg, >>> ici <<<.
Dans Minorites : bilan d'etapes.
Article de Madjid faisant le point une semaine apres le rassemblement du 4 janvier 2010, >>> ici <<<
Articles
