ADAMU.
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- Jan 19, 2014
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[h=1]​[/h][h=2]US President warns Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni signing bill that will further criminalise homosexuality would be a "step backward" for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on the country's commitment to human rights[/h]
Masked Kenyan supporters of the LGBT community stage a protest against Uganda's anti-gay bill in front of the Ugandan High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya Photo: EPA
AP
12:57AM GMT 17 Feb 2014
President Barack Obama warned Uganda on Sunday over its plans to further criminalise homosexuality, saying it would "complicate our valued relationship."
Defending gay rights around the world, as he has done at home, Mr Obama said a bill that President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to sign will mark a "step backward" for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on the country's commitment to protect the human rights of its people. It also would represent a serious setback for anyone committed to freedom, justice and equal rights, he added.
Mr Obama said the United States stands for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights and believes people everywhere should be treated equally.
"That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalise homosexuality," Mr Obama said in a written statement issued from southern California, where he was spending the weekend. "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. It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights."
"Enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda," he said, adding that the U.S. has conveyed that message to Museveni.
AP
12:57AM GMT 17 Feb 2014
President Barack Obama warned Uganda on Sunday over its plans to further criminalise homosexuality, saying it would "complicate our valued relationship."
Defending gay rights around the world, as he has done at home, Mr Obama said a bill that President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to sign will mark a "step backward" for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on the country's commitment to protect the human rights of its people. It also would represent a serious setback for anyone committed to freedom, justice and equal rights, he added.
Mr Obama said the United States stands for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights and believes people everywhere should be treated equally.
"That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalise homosexuality," Mr Obama said in a written statement issued from southern California, where he was spending the weekend. "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. It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights."
"Enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda," he said, adding that the U.S. has conveyed that message to Museveni.
