Affirmation's Executive Committee: David Melson (left), George Cole (center), and Micah Bisson (right).
Affirmation Asks LDS Church to Oppose Uganda Legislation
George Cole: “We look forward to their response, and have faith that they will side on human rights”
by Hugo Salinas
December 2009
The Executive Committee of Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons has sent a letter to the First Presidency calling for them to denounce a pending legislation in Uganda which could lead to the execution of its gay citizens. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009, introduced in October, would expand the punishment for homosexual behavior to include life imprisonment and in some cases the death penalty.
“We look forward to their response,” says Affirmation’s Assistant director George Cole. “We have faith that they will side on human rights.”
Homosexuality already is illegal in Uganda, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. But under the proposed legislation, practicing homosexuals who have HIV would receive the death penalty. The bill also would require anyone, including pastors and priests, to report homosexuals within 24 hours of discovering their behavior, and anyone who fails to do so could be punished with up to three years in prison.
Religious leaders who have either expressed opposition to or condemned the proposed legislation include Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, the Anglican Church of Canada, Exodus International, U.S. Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, and United Church of Christ General Minister and President Geoffrey Black.
Megachurch pastor Rick Warren has also decided to oppose the bill. Warren was under enormous pressure from other U.S. Christians and gay rights groups because he had remained largely silent even though the bill is being endorsed by Martin Ssempa, a Ugandan pastor who is Warren’s former protégé.
“Take action yourselves,” George Cole urged Affirmation members. “Call your member of the House and your Senators and ask them to denounce this bill. After the dust settles, call them back to thank them for their action or call them to task for not taking any, then ask them to take a stand on human rights for LGBT people in all the other countries where the U.S. has a stake in aid or trade. We have been given much in this wonderful country, and we too must give.”
