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UK considers banning Ugandan MP if "kill the gays" bill succeeds

by Rhonda J Mangus | April 21, 2010 at 02:10 pm

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UK considers banning Ugandan MP David Bahati, sponsor of "kill the gays" legislation in Uganda.

Civil servants in the Foreign Office, the Department for International Development and the Borders Agency are drawing up plans to block the visa of born-again Christian MP David Bahati if he does not drop legislation that would see consenting adults who have gay sex imprisoned for life and impose the death penalty on those with HIV – which will be called "aggravated homosexuality".

Wave of anti-gay sentiment concern for British government.

The British government is concerned by a wave of anti-gay sentiment sweeping Africa that has also put pressure on homosexual people in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria.

Besides rescinding the visa of the backbencher, other options considered have been blocking aid to the Ugandan government. The government has switched its strategy to individual visa blocking amidst signs that threats to withhold aid backfire.

Gay Sex Already Illegal In Uganda

Human rights groups blast Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009

Gay sex is already illegal in Uganda but backbenchers there are pushing for more draconian punishment by preying on fears that homosexuals are "recruiting" children at schools.

Though observers believe President Yoweri Museveni was beaten back by the level of international opprobrium, a march against homosexuality in Uganda last month attracted 2,000 supporters.

United States Government A Partner In Condemning Uganda's Anti-Gay Legislation

The Family's alleged influence in Uganda aside, at a National Prayer Breakfast held earlier this year, President Obama slammed Uganda's anti-gay legislation and members of the United States Congress introduced bills condemning Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009.

On Tuesday, April 13th, the U. S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a resolution opposing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009, according to HRC Back Story. Similar legislation is still pending in the House of Representatives.

In the meantime, the Uganda legislation is currently stalled and may not reach a vote until 2011. One anonymous British government source told The Guardian, "...the issue could turn into a "major diplomatic incident if the Ugandans do not back down.""

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Barbara McPherson

at 19:09 on April 21st, 2010

Sounds like a good idea to ban him. He is spreading hate in his speeches.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 19:20 on April 21st, 2010

Thanks, Barb. One thing seemingly clear about the UK is that they don't tolerate such intolerance. In 2009, the British government banned Anti-Gay Preachers Fred Phelps and Shirley Phelps-Roper. Unfortunately, however, the Phelps continue spreading their hate in the US (under first amendment rights (guise of religion) of course). Perhaps the US will 'catch on' someday:).