US discusses anti-gay bill with Uganda
The US State Department’s envoy to Africa has met with Uganda’s parliamentary speaker Rebecca Kadaga, who has promised to pass the country’s notorious Anti-Homosexuality bill as a “Christmas gift”.
According to the Washington Blade, US State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters on Monday that Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson raised the issue during last weekend’s trip to the country and that he had met with Rebecca Kadaga.
Earlier this month, Ms Kadaga promised to bring a vote on the proposed law before Christmas.
Ugandans “are demanding it,” she previously declared.
Ms Nuland warned: “As we have regularly said, we call on the parliament in Uganda to look very carefully at this, because Uganda’s own human rights council has made clear that if this were to pass, it would put the country out of compliance with its own international human rights obligations”.
However, Ms Nuland said the US State Department would not be able to confirm this claim until the bill is officially unveiled by lawmakers.
During Monday’s press briefing, Ms Nuland did not give details of the discussion between Secretary Carson and Speaker Kadaga.
She would also not be drawn on suggestions the US could cut its aid donations to the country if Uganda signs the bill into law.
On Monday, Conservative MP Mike Freer urged the UK Government to consider the same option.
