Backer of Uganda anti-gay laws leads Bahamas workshop

As of Thursday, May 22, 2014

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE government yesterday welcomed anti-gay proponent, Ugandan parliamentary speaker Rebecca Kadaga, as international furore over her country’s decision to increase penalties against same-sex relations continues.

Mrs Kadaga is set to lead the two-day workshop hosted by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Association International at the Melia hotel in Nassau today.

The Ugandan parliamentarian was the first woman in her country to be elected Speaker and was elected “by a landslide” to head the international women’s branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association, according to Transport Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin yesterday.

Mrs Hanna-Martin, CWPA regional representative, said: “This meeting is historic and we are serious. We must do all that we can as women who now serve at this level to advance the cause of humanity, to deepen democracy and to help to create a more sane and humane world.”

The Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014 was signed into law on February 24 by president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the bill was passed on December 20, 2013.

While homosexuality was always illegal under the Ugandan penal code, similar to many African countries, the new law mandates that persons found guilty of homosexual acts can face life imprisonment for “aggravated” cases; and also includes stiff penalties for persons who are aware of another person’s homosexual status and do not report it – including health care professionals and media organisations.

Penalties also extend to Ugandans who engage in same-sex relations outside the country: they can be extradited to Uganda for trial.

Mrs Kadaga was hailed as instrumental in moving legislation by Ugandan politicians.

In an interview last year, she said the bill was what “most Ugandans” wanted.

Since then, it has been reported that more than $100m in aid to the country has been slashed or redirected by major Western donors, including the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark in protest against the law termed by many as draconian and anti-humanitarian.

The World Bank has suspended a $90m loan package to strengthen the country’s health care system.

According to reports, the sum reportedly represents 20 per cent of Uganda’s 2013-2014 health budget.

President Barack Obama last year described the bill as “odious”.

The workshop’s theme is “Women, the vote, the voice, the victory”, and among objectives includes the establishment of a regional network to tackle the under-representation of women in politics.

When contacted for comment yesterday, human rights activist Erin Greene welcomed the Ugandan parliamentarian and acknowledged her efforts in support of women’s rights. She called for Mrs Kadaga to reconsider the bill and their social and legal obligations to all citizens in her country.

However, Ms Greene said: “As we gather to stand in support of women’s rights and work together to ensure women’s equal and equitable access to legal, economic and social justice, we take a moment to acknowledge that women’s rights will not be recognised or attained until all human rights have been acknowledged and attained.

“We stand in support of our Ugandan brothers and sisters as they exercise self determination as a sovereign and independent nation and claim the right to define their progress without political interference.

She added: “We acknowledge that the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014 violates a number of inalienable rights, including the human right to privacy, the human right of access to healthcare, the human right of freedom of conscience, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of expression.”

When asked for comment yesterday, Mrs Hanna Martin said she did not wish to respond at the time.

Attempts to interview Mrs Kadaga were also unsuccessful yesterday; however, the Ugandan parliamentary speaker indicated that she would be open to taking questions before the start of the conference today.

BDN 10 years, 6 months ago

Wow..... I'm actually completely shocked by this.. What is going on in our country?

CuriousAbaconian 10 years, 6 months ago

Let's go back to the stone age...

jt 10 years, 6 months ago

What is happening? Uganda became the subject of international scorn and derision when they passed those laws. Why are we looking to Uganda for advice on how to move forward instead of backwards?

CuriousAbaconian 10 years, 6 months ago

Torture, extrajudicial killings, forced child labour and slavery, child trafficking, sexual abuse, cutting off women's lips, rape - all examples of human rights violations occurring in Uganda on a regular basis.

Obviously, we should be seeking advice from these people.

blackcat 10 years, 6 months ago

Rape, sexual abuse and human trafficking all go on here, more often than we'd care to admit. It's no surprise we are moving backwards with Uganda instead of forward.

I'm sure there were other speakers who could have been appointed for such a role. This woman's stance on human rights is appalling and sickening to say the least--her credibility is totally shot in my view. Not surprised Bahamas , way to go on the role model!

sheeprunner12 10 years, 6 months ago

pan-Africanism at work............................. Love, Garvey, Marley and Rastafari.

FYI...................... The PLP is in power................ FREE AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONE LOVE!!!!!!!!

proudloudandfnm 10 years, 6 months ago

Jesus our government is just stupid....

This evil woman should not be in our country man....

Uganda has nothing to offer us man. Shun them, ignore them, ridicule them. But don't let them in our country to celebrate anything man.

Idiots.

proudloudandfnm 10 years, 6 months ago

This Uganda woman is a moron Nazi bitch. Nice PR Ms. Hanna Martin......

CommonSense 10 years, 6 months ago

I'm seriously wondering if this whole government is just playing one huge prank on us because they CAN'T be serious! Really?! This woman?! Please tell me this is a joke.

Kalypso 10 years, 6 months ago

Greeting, shaking hands w a murderer, a genocidal maniac, and author of a "bill to kill"....what is he doing here? Looking for recruits for her crimes against humanity program? Don't let me run into this despicable monster.

TheMadHatter 10 years, 6 months ago

I had great respect for Ms. Martin when she stood up for the rights of the boy who was (allegedly) hung by his own belt while in a police station holding cell. She broke the rules of the House to speak up for an investigation and was suspended for it. Breaking the rules when it meant standing up for human rights - just like Pindling did - that was great, and I admire her for that.

Why now she would associate with this (person?) I cannot imagine. Maybe next week we will see her standing next to a KKK dude with his white hood on and everything. It would not be any worse or any more unexpected.

TheMadhatter

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