Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, called the "Kill the Gays Bill" by many because of a clause that includes executing gay people, is still on track to be passed in parliament by the end of the year. However, news reports state the death penalty portion of the bill has been dropped.
The UK's Guardian newspaper reported Monday, Nov. 26, that the bill is on track to be passed by the end of the year and has strong support from parliament. Violence against LGBT people already exists, including the murder of Uganda gay activist David Kato in January 2011.
The BBC reported Nov. 23 that the death penalty portion of the bill was dropped. The bill includes a clause to execute gay people for "aggravated homosexuality" — this includes for those who are HIV positive, pedophiles or "serial offenders."
Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, known by opponents as the “Kill the Gays Bill,” was expected to be voted on this week in the African country’s Parliament, where leaders said they want to pass the bill before the Dec. 15 recess as a “Christmas gift” to citizens.
At press time on Monday, Nov. 19, Ugandan newspaper The Daily Monitor reported the bill was likely to be debated Tuesday, Nov. 20.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, wrote in a Nov. 13 letter that there is high public pressure to pass the bill. She has stated she wants the bill passed before the end of the year to give as a “Christmas gift” to the people of Uganda.
Nine activists stood in the chilly temperatures on Wednesday to bring awareness to and protest Uganda's "Kill the Gays Bill" that is expected to pass before the end of the year.
J.R. Rich, 28, from Midtown, held a "Shame on Uganda" sign at the Georgia State Capitol. He said he wanted to raise awareness among lawmakers as well as citizens of what is taking place in Uganda, located in East Africa.
"We are trying to raise awareness to anyone we can, especially our Congressmen on the Hill," he said.