Canada: Ugandan gay activists finally allowed entry to speak at WorldPride Congerence

A group of Ugandan LGBT activists who plan to speak at WorldPride Human Rights Conference will finally be allowed to enter Canada, after initially being denied visas.

Last month, Canada had refused to grant entry visas to the 10 activists, who have been invited to speak at WorldPride Human Rights Conference in Toronto, over fears they would claim asylum.

However, following the public backing of Toronto MP Craig Scott, the group were able to re-start the visa application process, and are on course to attend the event next week.

According to the Toronto Star, half of the activists have so far received their travel documents, and the organizers hope the rest will receive visas in time to speak at the conference, which begins next Wednesday.

Conference co-chair Brenda Cossman said: “We’re pleased that Ugandan delegates will be joining LGBTQ thinkers and activists from around the world for the World Pride Human Rights Conference.

“The conference is an important part of World Pride, and the Ugandan voices are an integral part to that dialogue.”

The activists will join more than 160 speakers and 430 delegates from 40 countries around the world, for the conference at the University of Toronto.

Uganda passed a new anti-gay law last year, increasing the harsh penalties for same-sex sexual activities.

Last week, Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa was unanimously elected as President of the United Nations General Assembly, despite his anti-gay views.

Kutesa, who openly supported the anti-gay law, previously claimed that the majority of Africans “abhor” homosexuality.

• Dec 01 2023

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