February 25, 2010: A Ugandan lawmaker introduced a bill in parliament last year to impose life imprisonment on gays and lesbians — and the death penalty for HIV-positive, sexually active gays, or in cases of same-sex rape. The bill quickly drew international disapproval for its severity. Despite pressure from Uganda’s President to “soften” the bill, the proposal’s author, David Bahati, has stood by his measure, saying, “the process of legislating a law to protect our children against homosexuality and defending our family values must go on.” Anti-gay protests erupted across Uganda in mid February to show support for the bill.
Above: Ugandan protesters take aim at two of the key players on this issue in America.
Newscom/RSphotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Pastor Martin Ssempa at a press conference in Kampala on February 16th.
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Anti-gay protesters flood the streets of Jinja, an industrial city 43 miles east of Kampala.
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Ugandan pastor Martin Ssempa speaks to the crowd.
Newscom/SipaPhotos
Newscom/SipaPhotos
