The Ugandan cabinet has rejected the proposed ‘anti-homosexuality bill’ which would make homosexuality punishable by death in some cases. But the gay community fears the saga is not over yet.

By Arne Doornebal, Kampala
 
“Yes it is true. The cabinet is totally against this bill,” Minister for Local Government Adolf Mwesige told RNW late on Tuesday by telephone. According to Mwesige the ‘anti-homosexuality bill’ which has been pending for almost two years now is not necessary. “The current laws in place are enough to protect the country against homosexuality,” he added.

“We can’t say it is totally over,” responds Long Jones, one of the country’s most prominent gay activists. “I think this battle will only end once the Members of Parliament throw it out,” he says.

The anti-homosexuality bill was introduced by Member of Parliament, David Bahati, in October 2009. Under Bahati’s proposed bill, ‘serial offenders’ of homosexuality would be punishable by death. It would also mean that people who fail to report homosexuals to the police could face time in prison.

The draft bill attracted massive attention worldwide, with countries threatening to cut aid if the bill went through. Bahati yesterday reacted to the cabinet’s decision by saying that the law is the ‘property of parliament’ and he would therefore continue to pursue it.

Premature celebrations
Sam is one of the ‘queer youth Uganda’ activists. He laughs when asked whether he is happy with the cabinet’s decision. “I remember how we celebrated earlier this year. It was the last day of the previous parliament, so we thought the bill would never become a reality once the new parliament took over after the elections. But the first thing the new parliament did was say that even laws which were still pending would be considered.”

Public opinion polls suggest that as much as 90 percent of the Ugandan population opposes homosexuality. In March this year, gay activist David Kato Kisule was beaten to death at his home. According to the Ugandan police, the murder was not linked to his activism, despite the fact that two months earlier his photograph had been published by a Ugandan newspaper under the title ‘hang them.’

Museveni decides
Bahati is supported by several Members of Parliament who have told the media that they will pursue the bill, regardless of the cabinet’s stance on the matter. Both Bahati and many of his supporters as Adolf Mwesige belong to the ruling party, the NRM, which has an absolute majority in parliament.

The last word on the fate of Bahati’s bill will ultimately rest with the NRM’s leader, president Yoweri Museveni. His signature is required before the passing of any new laws. President Museveni has repeatedly told party members to ‘go slow’ on the anti-homosexuality bill, saying the country has more pressing matters to deal with than what people do in the bedroom.