Scotland hopes to offer asylum to persecuted LGBT Ugandans

Scotland's Minister of External Affairs hopes to offer asylum to LGBT Ugandans who feel persecuted by "Anti-Homosexuality Act" in Uganda.

Via Herald Scotland:

Scotland is to offer asylum to Ugandans facing persecution under the country's oppressive new legislation against its gay population.

Humza Yousaf, Minister For External Affairs, has written to UK Foreign Secretary William Hague detailing the Scottish Government's gesture to welcome "any Ugandan" persecuted by the new laws.

It comes on the back of an outcry from the international community at the Ugandan anti-gay legislation and concern over the welcome being extended to countries with anti-gay laws during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

With prominent members of the Ugandan government due in Glasgow this summer, the Scottish Government will also meet representatives of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) groups to discuss proposals on handling human rights issues during the event.

Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni this week signed a bill that includes life sentences for gay sex and same-sex marriage.