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US fundamentalist group at heart of Uganda's anti-gay law
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by Rhonda J Mangus | November 26, 2009 at 03:21 am
1738 views | 56 Recommendations | 19 comments
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US fundamentalist group at heart of Uganda's anti-gay law
uploaded by Rhonda J Mangus
A United States fundamentalist group is at the heart of Uganda's anti-gay law. Originally known as The Fellowship, an international organization founded in 1935, today it is known as 'The Family', described by Jeff Sharlet in his book The Family: Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power, who investigates the political power of 'The Family', a secretive fundamentalist Christian association. 'The Family', under the reclusive leadership of Douglas Coe, is described by prominent evangelical Christians as one of the most, or the most, politically well-connected fundamentalist organizations in the United States.
Ugandan lawmaker and alleged member of the 'The Family', David Bahati sponsored Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009, also known as the "Bahati Bill".
David Bahati, a Ugandan lawmaker and member of the fundamentalist group The Family, sponsored the antigay legislation and has received millions of dollars in funding through the organization’s African outreach programs. The Family has also cultivated a "deep relationship" with Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni (pictured, right), Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power, said in a Tuesday interview on Fresh Air with Terry Gross on National Public Radio.
Sharlet detailed The Family's connections with Capitol Hill powers-that-be, including Nevada senator John Ensign (pictured, left) and Kansas senator Sam Brownback. “Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma boasts of traveling around the world, doing The Family's political business, he said. "[Oklahoma] Senator Tom Coburn has done the same thing. [Iowa] Senator Chuck Grassley has been very involved in African affairs on behalf of The Family. Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming is a part of it.”
Though gay sex is already criminalized in Uganda, the proposed legislation currently before parliament would add a specific clause called “aggravated homosexuality,” which would impose the death penalty on so-called repeat offenders as well as those who have HIV and engage in sex. Even failure to report a gay person to authorities could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
The transcript of the interview is available here.
Previously on NowPublic by this Author:
Uganda anti-gay bill has potential to divide Commonwealth leaders (November 25, 2009)
Museveni claims European gays are 'recruiting' Ugandan citizens (November 23, 2009)
Jefferson Awards winner recognizes genocide looming in Uganda (October 21, 2009)
Uganda's Daily Monitor raises its voice on behalf of defenseless (October 20, 2009)
Did Exodus conference in Uganda unleash anti-gay vigilantism? (October 19, 2009)
Human rights groups blast Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 (October 18, 2009)
Exodus International Holding Bryce Faulkner Hostage? (July 16, 2009)
Additional related stories on NowPublic Special News Coverage channels here and here.
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Rhonda J Mangus
North Tonawanda, New York, United States
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Recommendations (56)
Spydermonkey
huntsville, Alabama, United Statesmarianmo
Mission, Canada
Uwe Paschen
Narita, Chiba, Japan
Susan Marie Kovalinsky
Ledgewood, New Jersey, United States
Babel-Fish
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Barbara McPherson
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stejeb
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Amy Judd
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (19)
at 03:43 on November 26th, 2009
Being gay is criminalised in Africa as a whole. It is very well frowned upon. I don't think African countries need any help of outsiders (especially a "secret" fundamentalist association) in making such laws. I don't believe in the above information.
at 03:46 on November 26th, 2009
Thank you for reading and commenting, Yommie. I would like to know why you "don't believe in the above information"? Thanks!
at 04:08 on November 26th, 2009
There is this subconscious theory (and it only manifests in Europe and the West) that Africans can't really think from themselves without the influence of non-African countries.
I understand the news about the bill, but to say it was being sponsored by a secret cult from outside Uganda is incredulous. I think it is just sensational journalism - based on a book written by one Jeff Sharlett. This view cannot really be substantiated
at 04:14 on November 26th, 2009
Thank you, Yommie. I'm not sure anyone is saying "...Africans can't really think from themselves without the influence of non-African countries."
What is being said, and is very clearly identified through this, and related articles, is that a US Fundamentalist group known as "The Family" is exercising tremendous influence world-wide, including in Africa.
Nothing "sensationalized", just facts!
at 04:53 on November 26th, 2009
One more thing, Yommie -- Jeff Sharlet (Author, "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power") is an Associate Research Scholar, Center for Religion and Media, New York University. Sharlet publishes an on-line journal, The Revealer. It is a review of religion and media published by NYU.
at 04:54 on November 26th, 2009
I updated my comment, Yommie -- to add some links.
at 05:40 on November 26th, 2009
How lovely and wonderful, now the powers do not only try to play their influence for oil and world dominance but also on other issues.
I think it is bad enough as is in Uganda and many other African countries, they do not need help to make it worth.
at 05:56 on November 26th, 2009
ty for this information rhonda
at 15:41 on November 26th, 2009
You are very welcome, marianmo! Thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation.
at 06:02 on November 26th, 2009
Apart from the Jeff guy, are there any other news pointing to this "Family" as being behind the law. If so, then I don't think the death penalty bill will be passed as it requires majority vote. However, the anti-gay laws will survive in the continent of Africa as a whole as its a region that still believes in its culture, tradition, and is very religious. Frankly I don't see any "secret cult" having much to do as homosexuality is already a taboo.
at 10:26 on November 26th, 2009
Rhonda: Thanks for posting this (as well as all the links to the others) I had read some chilling things also about Reverend Rick Warren and his duplicity : pretending to be quite moderate here, while going over there and supporting such a law. In a world gone global, something is really scary about all of this.
at 15:40 on November 26th, 2009
You are very welcome, smk! No doubt you have read some chilling things about Warren.
You might also find this interesting: Christian Fundamentalists, Christian Groups, Ministries, and Movements.
at 13:05 on November 26th, 2009
Religious extremism allows for the worst of crimes. It doesn't matter which god is being worshipped.
at 15:29 on November 26th, 2009
I am definitely in agreement, Barb! Thanks for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation!
at 18:06 on November 26th, 2009
It appears so, Roy. But, do you really believe Warren's statement that "Our role, and the role of the PEACE Plan, whether in Uganda or any other country, is always pastoral and never political.
I'm sure Warren does oppose anything that hinders [his] goals:
"We vigorously oppose anything that hinders the goals of the PEACE Plan: Promoting reconciliation, Equipping ethical leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick, and Educating the next generation."
What surprises me is SMUG seems to buy it!
at 18:15 on November 26th, 2009
Rick Warren's P.E.A.C.E Plan & the UN Millennium Goals
P: Promoting reconciliation
E: Equipping 'ethical leaders'
A: Assisting the poor
C: Caring for the sick
E: Educating the next generation.
at 18:20 on November 26th, 2009
Rick Warren's Africa Problem (Max Blumenthal, On 01.07.09, By Max)
at 18:27 on November 26th, 2009
It appears that Warren did not break ties with Ssempa in 2007. Consequently, I don't believe what he is saying in your highlight to hold any truth.
Source: maxblumenthal.com
at 18:42 on November 26th, 2009
I'm sorry, Roy. Thanks for being so diligent!:) I hope 'we' have gotten to the 'heart' of the matter. If not though, please feel free to do a story:) Thanks!