News Round-Up: October 15, 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• Big congrats to my buddies, The Chippendales, for their big win this weekend as The Best of Las Vegas' "Best Male Revue" and "Best Bachelorette Party." If you've visited me in Vegas, you've probably gone to Chippendales with me at least once :) #GoodTimes

• Kanye West and wife Kim Kardashian met and exchanged gifts with the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni. You may recall Museveni signed into law the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act which provides for life in prison in Uganda for being gay.

• If you watched the Donald Trump 60 Minutes interview last night, you saw this painting actually hangs in the White House. By artist Andy Thomas, the image portrays a gathering of Republican presidents in one place. #goodgod

• The New York Police Department announced Monday that it has enough evidence to charge nine members of the right-wing group Proud Boys and three protesters with various counts of rioting, assault and attempted assault that took place last Friday.

• Donald Trump has now nominated openly gay Patrick Bumatay to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This would bring Trump's gay judicial nominees to a total of two.

• Regular readers of The Randy Report know I'm a huuuuge fan of Coldplay. And now there's a new documentary film headed our way titled, A Head Full of Dreams.

The film, shot over 20 years of Coldplay history will stream on Amazon Prime Video starting November 16. For more info, click here.

Uganda Prepares To Pass New Anti-Gay Law As "Christmas Gift" To The Country

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni

Calling the law a "Christmas gift" for the country, Ugandan legislators are set to pass a new version of the country's recently struck down anti-gay law:

Drafters of a revised anti-gay law want parliament to pass it in time to be a "Christmas gift" for Ugandans, a lawmaker said on Friday, after a controversial earlier version was quashed because of legal technicalities.

Legislation passed by parliament almost a year ago, which would have punished gay sex with long prison terms, provoked a storm of international protest and led some donor countries to withhold aid. A constitutional court overturned the law in August.

Abdu Latif Ssebagala, a member of a parliamentary committee formed in September to draft a new version, said it had finished the bill and was ready to present it to parliament for debate.

In August, President Yoweri Museveni said he wanted the law amended to remove penalties for consenting adults. Ssebagala said however the new version still punished gay sex among consenting adults.

In October the president wrote in a newspaper that re-introducing the law risked triggering a trade boycott by the West.

Uganda: President Museveni Worries of Trade Boycott Over Anti-Gay Policies

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni

Although his country's anti-gay law was struck down earlier this year on a technicality, President Yoweri Museveni is concerned that Uganda might suffer a trade boycott should the laws be reintroduced.

Via Reuters:

In a commentary on Friday in the state-run New Vision daily, Museveni said he was not worried by the aid cuts that followed the initial law, but warned of a trade boycott by companies in the West.

He said re-issuing the anti-gay law would likely antagonize consumers in the West, risking access to a rich export market. "To carelessly and needlessly open unnecessary wars with useful customers is irresponsible to say the least," he wrote.

Homosexuality remains taboo in Uganda and many socially conservative African societies where some religious groups have branded it a corrupting Western import.

The original passage of the anti-gay law was celebrated with a rally in the city center against homosexuals, which Museveni attended and where he was thanked for signing the bill by religious leaders from various denominations.

Donors, who finance about 20 percent of Uganda's annual budget, lauded its annulment, and some have resumed lending.

The U.S. described the court's decision as "an important step in the right direction for human rights" in Uganda.

The overturn of the anti-gay law came just days before a visit by the Ugandan President to the US for a summit with other African leaders. Rumors abound that it was Museveni himself who worked behind the scenes to bring down the law to avoid an unpleasant reception here.

(h/t JMG)

Uganda Tourism Board concerned the country is viewed as "anti-gay"

Gay Star News reports that the Ugandan Tourism Board met with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) over concerns that, for some strange reason, Uganda is somehow perceived as "anti-gay" in Western Europe and America.

Gee, I wonder what why that might be?  Possibly the "Kill The Gays" law that was passed and signed into law?

The Ugandan Tourism Board (UTB) recently met with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) to try to restore the country's reputation among both gay and straight tourists.

John Tanzella, president and CEO of IGLTA, told the SoSoGay website that the board felt Western media had portrayed Uganda in a particularly negative light since the country passed a law that would punish gay sex with life imprisonment in December last year.

The law was struck down last month.

Tanzella said, ‘The delegation said that gay people are welcome.

'They were very concerned about the perception of Uganda in Western Europe and North America, and claimed that the backlash caught them by surprise.

'No-one thought it would pass. The delegates all pointed out that they have friends and family who are gay.’

The UTB maintains that the people of Uganda are "very hospitable, friendly, warm and loving."

Right....

News Round-up - August 19, 2014

• Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga share 2nd track from upcoming duets album

• Gavin McInnes, of the NYC ad agency Rooster, gets a time-out by his firm for posting hideous transphobic essay

• Six LGBT persons stoned to death in Uganda

• Speaking of Uganda, the President there just signed a bill criminalizing the transmission of HIV

• The Smithsonian is adding LGBT history to the museum's collection, including items from TV show "Will & Grace"

• God loves gays, and to prove it He's going to put up a billboard saying so in Topeka, Kansas - hometown of the hateful Westboro Baptist Church

President of Uganda asks legislators to not rush in reintroducing anti-gay bill

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda is asking lawmakers to slow down as they work to re-legislate a controversial anti-gay law that was invalidated earlier this month.

From the Washington Post:

Museveni, who held a meeting Monday with lawmakers from his party, urged parliamentarians “not to cause chaos” by quickly reintroducing the bill, according to Medard Bitekyerezo, a lawmaker who strongly supports the anti-gay measure.

He said Museveni formed a committee, to be chaired by Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, to look into the concerns of rights activists who challenged the constitutionality of the law.

The government-controlled New Vision newspaper reported Tuesday that Museveni warned lawmakers that the bill could hurt the country’s economic development. Museveni asked the parliamentarians to debate the law “without any emotional feelings,” the paper reported.

More than 200 members of the Ugandan Parliament have lined up to reinstate the bill.

Uganda's Constitutional Court annuls anti-homosexuality law

Uganda's Constitutional Court has annulled the recent anti-gay legislation signed into law in February over what amounts to a technicality:

It (the Constitutional Court) ruled that the bill was passed by MPs in December without the requisite quorum and was therefore illegal.

Homosexual acts were already illegal, but the new law allowed for life imprisonment for "aggravated homosexuality" and banned the "promotion of homosexuality".

Earlier drafts of the anti-homosexuality act made it a crime not to report gay people - which would have made it impossible to live as openly gay - but this clause was removed.

The law, which was signed by President Yoweri Museveni in February, toughened up existing laws.

Lesbians were covered for the first time and those found living in a same-sex marriage could have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

More Scott Lively on Uganda: Gays should get reparative therapy or go to jail

In an interview with SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorile, anti-gay crusader Scott Lively explains that his goal in advising Uganda on their recent Anti-Homosexuality Act was to have the government offer reparative or "ex-gay" therapy instead of punitive sanctions.

When asked what should happen if gays and lesbians in Uganda didn't WANT such therapy (which has been shown to be very damaging to patients to the point of becoming torture), Lively says those people would have to “take whatever the other alternative is, which was probably going to jail.”

Listen below:

US to take further sanctions in response to anti-gay law in Uganda

Buzzfeed is reporting on new sanctions to be implemented by the Obama administration in reaction to Uganda's criminalization of homosexuality:

Money will be shifted away from the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, a group that has publicly come out in support of the anti-gay law and has received millions of dollars in grants from the United States to help fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Some $2.3 million will continue to go to the IRCU to continue treatment for some 50,000 current patients, but an additional $6.4 million intended for the IRCU will go to other organizations.

Second, because the law makes “promoting homosexuality” illegal, a U.S. funded study to help identify populations at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS has been suspended. The study, which was going to be conducted by a Ugandan university and the Center for Disease Control, has been suspended out of fear that both staff and survey respondents could be put in danger.

Third, because any LGBT person or LGBT ally who now enters Uganda is at risk, money intended for tourism programs will be redirected. “Therefore, approximately $3 million in funding designated for tourism and biodiversity promotion will be redirected to NGOs working on biodiversity protection,” Lalley said.

And finally, the Department of Defense had several events scheduled in the country later this spring and those will be moved to other locations. “Certain near-term invitational travel” for Ugandan military and police personnel has also been suspended or canceled.

The first steps in response to Uganda's anti-gay law came last week as the CDC suspended funding for a program that supplied Uganda with anti-retroviral medications and HIV testing kits.

(via JMG)

Telecom company Orange ended advertising relationship with Ugandan tabloid over "Top 200 Homos" list

Last month, the Ugandan tabloid Red Pepper published a list of the country's '200 Top Homos' days after President Museveni signed an anti-gay bill into law.

Friday, telecom company Orange tweeted that they had severed their advertising relationship with the tabloid after the activist group All Out created a petition campaign asking the company to stop advertising with Red Pepper.

Said Andre Banks, Executive Director and co-founder of All Out: “We commend Orange for their leadership in reaction to the Anti-Homosexuality Law. Orange’s decision to withdraw their advertising and to explicitly support their LGBT employees should ring alarm bells for Ugandan politicians and business people about the impact this law could have on the national economy”.

(via press release)

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.

Ugandan tabloid lists "Top 200 Homosexuals"

Now that Uganda's president signed the "Anti-Homosexuality Act" into law, a Ugandan tabloid has decided to publish the names of 200 allegedly gay citizens, putting all of these people at the risk of being murdered.

Via the AP:

The Red Pepper tabloid published the names — and some pictures — of alleged homosexuals in a front-page story under the headline: "EXPOSED!"

The list included prominent Ugandan gay activists such as Pepe Julian Onziema, who has repeatedly warned that Uganda's new anti-gay law could spark violence against homosexuals. A popular Ugandan hip-hop star as well as a Catholic priest are also on the list.

Few Ugandans identify themselves publicly as gay, and the tabloid's publication of alleged homosexuals recalled a similar list published in 2011 by a now-defunct tabloid that called for the execution of gays.

A Ugandan judge later condemned the outing of homosexuals in a country where gays face severe discrimination, saying it amounted to an invasion of privacy.

A prominent Ugandan gay activist, David Kato, was killed after that list came out, and activists said at the time that they believed he was targeted because of his work promoting gay rights in Uganda.

"The media witch hunt is back," tweeted Jacqueline Kasha, a well-known Ugandan lesbian activist who is among those listed in the Red Pepper story.

As the article notes, the last time a "hit list" like this was published, people were found and killed.

This is a reckless, reckless act.

(h/t JMG)

Ugandan President calls homosexuals "disgusting" after signing "Anti-Homosexuality Act"

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni spoke with CNN about signing the 'Anti-Homosexuality Act' which penalizes homosexuality with life imprisonment.

Asked if he personalize dislikes homosexuals, Museveni replies:

"Of course! They are disgusting. What sort of people are they? I never knew what they were doing. I've been told recently that what they do is terrible. Disgusting. But I was ready to ignore that if there was proof that that's how he is born, abnormal. But now the proof is not there."

Amid calls for the US to re-evaluate relations and monetary aid to his country, Museveni asked countries respect African societies and their values" and not interfere. "If we are wrong, we shall find out by ourselves."

I say we pull whatever aid we give the country. Let them find THAT by themselves.

For now, it’s open-season on Uganda’s LGBT population. If found guilty under the new law - minimum 14 years in prison for an act of homosexual sex, life in prison for “aggravated homosexuality.”

Watch the interview below.

Secretary of State John Kerry on Uganda's anti-gay law: We will review our relationship

"This is a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights. Ultimately, the only answer is repeal of this law. The United States is deeply disappointed in the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. For the four years since the bill was introduced, we have been crystal clear that it blatantly violates human rights obligations that Uganda’s Human Rights Commission itself has recognized are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution. Today’s signing threatens a dangerous slide backward in Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people and a serious threat to the LGBT community in Uganda.

"We are also deeply concerned about the law’s potential to set back public health efforts in Uganda, including those to address HIV/AIDS, which must be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner in order to be effective. As President Obama stated, this legislation is not just morally wrong, it complicates a valued relationship. Now that this law has been enacted, we are beginning an internal review of our relationship with the Government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values.

"From Nigeria to Russia and Uganda, we are working globally to promote and protect the human rights of all persons. The United States will continue to stand against any efforts to marginalize, criminalize, and penalize vulnerable persons in any society." - Secretary of State John Kerry, via press release issued by the State Department.

Ugandan President signs bill imposing life imprisonment for gays

Via Towleroad

Very bad day for Uganda.

Scott Lively on Uganda: The anti-gay laws aren't all that bad

Anti-gay activist Scott Lively

Anti-gay Scott Lively writing on his website today:

"I agree that the Ugandan law is overly harsh on its face, but this is typical of African criminal law across the continent. Poor countries with limited criminal justice systems tend to rely on the harshness of the letter of the law to be a deterrent to criminals.

"In practice, the sentencing is usually pretty lenient. Kenya, for example, has the death penalty for burglary, but burglars are definitely not being executed there.

"I’ve explained this phenomenon to over two dozen journalists at top media outlets that have interviewed me over the past couple of years, but none have included this perspective in their stories. I guess it would undermine their efforts to bolster the 'gay' cause."

Lively is currently being sued for crimes against humanity by Ugandan activists who say his campaigns have helped to lead the African country to extreme and harsh laws against LGBT individuals.

(h/t JMG)

Ugandan Ethics minister: We are tolerant of homosexuals - we are not slaughtering them

Minister for Ethics and Integrity Simon Lokodo of Uganda made these statements regarding the recently approved legislation that allows for life imprisonment if found to be gay in his country:

“We are tolerant. That’s what we are saying: we are not slaughtering them."

“They can come and be helped to come out of this unfortunate situation… It’s like a drug addict. Drug addiction is not an innate situation, it is acquired. But they can be transformed and become better.”

“So we are saying anybody found committing this incredible and abominable act should be checked and isolated from society.”

“If you are found practising it, we shall take you to a cell.”

President Obama has called on the Ugandan president to not sign the legislation into law.

(source)

President Obama denounces Uganda's "Anti-Homosexuality Bill"

President Obama issued a statement today saying Uganda's continuing steps to criminalize the LGBT community in that country is becoming more and more of a threat to the two country's political relationship.

On Friday, a spokesman for the Ugandan president signaled that President Yoweri Museveni was likely to sign a bill that would punish the “the promotion or recognition” of same-sex relations with as much as life in prison.

As written, the law would dictate a 14 year prison sentence for first time "offenders." Subsequent convictions could lead to life in prison.

President Obama issued this statement via press release:

"As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the protection of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights. We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love.

"That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalize homosexuality. 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.

"As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda. At a time when, tragically, we are seeing an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria, I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons."

Through a series of tweets, national security adviser Susan Rice said she had spoken to the Ugandan president and shared President Obama's concerns.

President of Uganda to sign anti-homosexuality bill into law

The president of Uganda has indicated he will sign into law a bill which makes homosexuality punishable by life in prison.

From the AP:

Ofwono Opondo, a government spokesman, said in Twitter posts Friday that President Yoweri Museveni told lawmakers that he would do that after receiving a report from "medical experts" saying "homosexuality is not genetic but a social behavior." Opondo did not say when the signing would happen.

Museveni previously had opposed the bill, saying it's too harsh. Homosexuality, which Museveni has called abnormal, is a crime in Uganda.

The bill, approved by parliament in December, would legalize life imprisonment for some homosexual acts.

Uganda's Parliament passes anti-gay legislation

Originally known as the 'Kill The Gays' bill, Uganda's anti-gay legislation has passed in parliament.

The original bill included a death penalty for being gay, but that has been removed from the legislation's language.  However,  people can still get life in prison for homosexuality.

In addition, the bill will make it illegal to 'promote' homosexuality and will also jail anyone who does not report homosexual activities to the police.

The president could sign the bill as soon as tomorrow.

The government is aware there will be an international outcry, which may lead to some countries suspending aid to the country.

More at GayStar News