The Chicago-based LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Organization hosted a town hall forum to discuss immigrant issues Sept. 27 at the Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Mona Noriega, commissioner of human relations for the City of Chicago, was the moderator and took online questions ( as the event was streamed live online ) as well as inquiries from the floor. Panel presenters included U.S. Reps. Luis Gutierrez, D-Chicago, 4th District; and Mike Quigley, D-Chicago, 5th District.
Other panelists included Karen Zwick, supervising attorney for the LGBT Rights Initiative at the National Immigrant Justice Center ( NIJC ) ; Fred Tsao, policy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights ( ICIRR ) ; Reyna Wences, co-founder of the Immigrant Youth Justice League ( IYJL ) ; and Tania Unzueta, advocacy coordinator for the Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA ) . Unzueta is also a co-founder of IYJL.
Both lawmakers left an hour after the start of the forum, while the remaining panelists stayed to take questions from the audience in the room. The panel addressed four issues particularly relevant to the LGBTQ immigrant community: prosecutorial discretion, as outlined in an Aug. 18 Obama administration memorandum that lists 19 factors, including age at entry and a lack of a criminal record that enforcement authorities take into account when considering immigration and deportation cases; same-sex binational couples and the Defense of Marriage Act; detention conditions for LGBTQ immigrants; and asylum on the basis of sexual orientation.
As to the issue of prosecutorial discretion, Gutierrez said that it provided "an opportunity to show the strength of the movement." Both he and Zwick emphasized that the memo did not mean that immigrants no longer faced the possibility of being picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) . Zwick said the benefits "should not be overstated."
Gutierrez talked about the Uniting American Families Act ( UAFA ) , proposed legislation which would enable LGBT citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration. He said that "UAFA will be an important part of CIR." Both legislators talked about the importance of recognizing a broader definition of family that would recognize LGBTQ relationships.
Kevin Goodwin took the floor to describe the struggle facing him and his Indonesian partner, who is applying for asylum.
John Ademola knows there is no asylum from hatred, no refuge from ignorance.
But after decades of battling his own identity as a gay man in Nigeria, afraid for his life and safety, the former Catholic priest who now lives in the Chicago area knows a new reality.
"If any crazy person decides to kill me simply because I'm gay, here (in the U.S.), the community will still ask, 'Why did you do it?'" he said. In America, "there's not a government after me."
Ademola applied for — and was granted — asylum in the U.S. in 2009 based on his homosexuality and fear of what he might face if he returned to Nigeria. He now holds a green card that puts him on the track to U.S. citizenship.
The Riverdale resident, 50, is one in a seemingly growing but hard-to-track group of Chicago-based immigrants who've successfully applied for asylum based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such asylum applications have been possible for 16 years, after then-Attorney General Janet Reno declared an LGBT asylum case precedent.
Experts say there are likely many more immigrants who could apply for asylum based on their LGBT status. But many don't know they can or fear the repercussions of doing so.
17 May activists chose to highlight the LGBT rights issues in three African countries – Uganda, Kenya and Malawi – as part of the city's third annual observation of I.D.A.H.O., International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
About 50 marchers held a picket in front of the city's popular Millennium Park interacting with rush hour commuters, several of whom joined the event.
A featured component of Chicago's I.D.A.H.O. was an address by John Adewoye of Courage-Nigeria, an LGBT rights group composed of African immigrants. Adewoye detailed the recent history of anti-LGBT repression in several countries on the continent.
Another speaker read out statements by a Malawi gay couple, Steven Monjeza (26) and Tiwonge Chimbalanga (20), whose words were recently smuggled out of prison after they were arrested for engaging to be married to each other.
Chimbalanga said, "I love Steven so much. If people or the world cannot give me the chance and freedom to continue living with him as my lover, then I am better off to die here in prison. Freedom without him is useless and meaningless."
"We have come a long way," said Monjeza, "and even if our family relatives are not happy, I will not and never stop loving Tiwonge."
The statements were transmitted to British human rights activist Peter Tatchell, who has played a key role in drawing world attention to Chimbalanga's and Monjeza's struggle as they potentially face long prison terms in one of the world’s poorest countries.
CHICAGO -- Six members of the U.S. House sent a letter last week to President Barack Obama and other leaders, expressing strong support for a little-known piece of legislation that would grant gay and lesbian couples the same residency benefits as their opposite-sex peers.
The measure -- called the Uniting American Families Act -- could affect 36,000 gay and lesbian binational couples, who would earn a path to citizenship not by getting entangled in matrimony, but by creating a new immigration category for "permanent partners."
For Chicago residents Karla Thomas, a native of Trinidad, and Stacy Beardsley, a U.S. citizen, the legislation is intensely personal.
The two women -- who met four years ago -- share a North Side Victorian cottage, two black labs and some investment properties. Thomas' citizenship was never much of an issue until her job as an engineering project manager at an international cosmetics company was eliminated last summer.
The layoff threatened not only her paycheck but also her employment-based green card, which means her time in the United States could be running out.
"No one should have to decide between the person she loves and the country she loves," Thomas said.
The Uniting American Families Act needs to be folded into any immigration overhaul that Congress is expected to tackle in the next few months, say advocates.
"It saddens me to think that the struggle for immigration reform, a movement based on the fundamental principles of equality ... could push on without including LGBT families," said Illinois Democrat Mike Quigley, who signed the letter along with Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Jared Polis, D-Colo.; and Mike Honda, D-Calif.
Opponents of the bill say any such provisions could be a deal-breaker for immigration reform.
"It's like pouring gasoline on a roaring fire," said Kevin Appleby, director of migration policy and public affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which sees such unions as violating church teachings. "Immigration is already controversial enough. Adding this issue could kill it altogether."
If Thomas, 30, and Beardsley, 39, were a heterosexual couple, their cozy domesticity could continue uninterrupted. They could marry, and Thomas could shop around her impressive resume -- which includes an MBA from Northwestern University and a decade of experience.
"You work hard. You build a life together. You try to be good citizens," said Beardsley, who manages charter schools in some of Chicago's most impoverished neighborhoods. "But, really, the legal options available to us right now are very limited."
Under federal law, gay and lesbian Americans are barred from sponsoring their foreign partners, even if their union is recognized by a state where gay marriage is legal, such as Iowa and Vermont. Almost half of these binational couples have children, and their predicament has been exacerbated by the economic downturn, according to Immigration Equality, a New York-based advocacy organization.
For now, Thomas, who came to the U.S. to attend the University of Mississippi, has gotten a reprieve. Her employer has found short-term assignments in other cities to keep her on the payroll.
What happens when those projects run out is anyone's guess, the couple said. Returning to Trinidad, where Thomas hasn't lived for a decade, would shrink her salary by 90 percent. They could move to Canada or England, which offer residency to same-sex partners, even though that would mean starting over again.
The best-case scenario? Immigration reform that includes everyone, they say.
"It's disconcerting to see an issue that affects me ... also affects Stacy," Thomas said. "I have a lot of guilt about what I'm doing to our family."
Queer demonstration for human rights and LGBTI *- in Honduras.
4 pm In front of the Foreign Office, Werderscher 1 then to FDP party headquarters
(following the rally of the Honduras Cordination at 3pm)
Kidnapping, arrest and the murder of human rights activists increased since the military coup in Honduras. Among them was Walter Tróchez, who was shot from a vehicle and later died in the hospital on December 13 2009. Tróchez was a victim of harassment and death threats prior to his murder. One such case occurred on July 20th 2009, which he was beaten up by police while in custody, and insulted about his sexual orientation after he attended a human rights rally against the military coup. Tróchez lead the fight for legal protection for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans and intersex as well dedicated himself for education about HIV and AIDS.
He took a stand against the killing of many transgender people and gay men since the military coup. Although the situation for LGBTI in Honduras was dire, it became life-threatening after the coup. Everyday life became brutal through increased military presence and increased power for right-wing political groups and religious fundamentalist. The crimes committed since the military coup, some sanctioned by national institutions through the police and military will go unpenalized and receive amnesty. The perpetrator will go free.
The de facto government will go into office on January 27th with their “President” Porfirio Lobo. We fear the recognition of Lobos by the German federal government. We carry the torch of Walter Tróchez and hope that our actions will help our LGBTI friends in Honduras.
Today was inauguration day in Honduras, and Porfirio Lobo was sworn in as the country's new President. To mark the occasion, gay and democracy advocates took to the street in solidarity with Hondurans. For two-hours this morning, 14 activists staged two vigils at the Honduran consulate in San Francisco's historic Flood Building on Market Street.
The first vigil took place first, when five gay and HIV/AIDS activists went to the consulate's office, only to find it closed for the special day. We spent half an hour in the hallway, talking with people from other offices on the 8th floor. We snapped a few pics and thought to leave a message for the workers, when they return tomorrow.
Our signs with Walter Trochez's visage were taped to the consulate's door, and a few were slipped under it. A small way to express our concern for the gay citizens of Honduras, especially those who've been murdered, and for the full protections of human rights protocols for all Hondurans.
The remainder of the morning was spent engaged in a vigil and flyer-distribution in front of the office building housing the consulate. Members of the Bay Area Latin American Solidarity Coalition, BALASC, including several seniors born in Honduras whose families have suffered harms by rightwing forces over the years. Click here to learn more about the orgs that comprise BALASC, and its multi-faceted political agenda.
This Saturday, January 30, starting at 4 pm, BALASC is holding a town hall meeting with Jose Luis Baquedano, an Honduran labor and political leader active in anti-coup efforts. That meeting is at the Center for Political Education, located at 522 Valencia Street, between 16th and 17th Streets. Stop by to learn more about pro-gay and pro-democracy forces in Honduras.
And big thanks to all the wonderful folks who came out today, on just two-days' notice, to stand in solidarity with gay people in Honduras, and that nation's democracy.
The first set of shots, courtesy of Lou Ann Prosack, were taken early on in the afternoon protest. More from the 8-9am protest soon to come. Also, there are tons more pics from the incredible Berlin rally. If I have time to process them all soon I will. I really need to set up a photosharing account...
These photos courtesy of Elijah Edelman (thanks to Elijah & the DCTC for their awesome organizing)
The LGBT community has been working for immigration reform for years. Our families are regularly split apart because we can not sponsor our foreign born loved ones for citizenship like married heterosexual couples can.
Americans are forced to split up their families or leave this country for more fair minded countries like the UK or Canada when their same gender spouse's green card or visa expires. The policy is inhumane but persists because our Congress enjoys the status quo.
We hoped this issue would be corrected in the forthcoming immigration reform bill in the pipeline for next year. However, because some members of Congress are squeamish about our families, splitting up families will likely continue. Our only hope for an inclusive immigration reform bill is via an amendment, but there is doubt that is very likely either.
Here is the problem: The bill is now out of the hands of Equality Caucus and Hispanic Caucus Member Rep. Gutierrez (D-IL-4) and has been passed to its new sponsor, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Founder Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX-27)--who is not even a cosponsor of ENDA or DADT repeal.
Representative Ortiz says that "some Hispanic lawmakers may be uneasy with the same-sex provision for cultural reasons, and they may need more time to weigh it. 'They feel a little uncomfortable. I think that's what it is, to be honest with you,' he said."
Why has this bill been turned over to Representative Ortiz, and taken from the more openly LGBT friendly Representative Gutierrez?
And if that has you worried, there is more that has been uncovered:
The majority of Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members are cosponsors of DOMA repeal, 11 out of 21 members to be exact.
In fact it seems Rep. Ortiz is the one who feels "uncomfortable." His HRC scorecard is pathetic. He received a 50% score in 110th Congress, 25% in 109th, and 22% in 108th. Oritz is not even a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, a separate bill which would allow same gender domestic partners or married couples to sponsor their loved ones for citizenship.
The Uniting American Families Act still has a long way to go if it is going to pass. The whip count does not look good:
PUBLIC WHIP COUNT
Sponsors & Cosponsors 117
Leaning Yes 81
Leaning No 207
No 1
Unknown 29
TOTAL 435
We sure could use a "fierce advocate" in the immigration debate.
Immigrant rights and LGBT activists have expressed dismay as a major immigration-reform bill introduced into the U.S. Congress by Rep. Luis Gutierrez failed to include key provisions they had sought.
Chief among these was an allowance for LGBT people to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration—which would, at least in this regard, put gay couples legally on par with heterosexual married couples.
When, earlier this fall, Gutierrez made it clear that he would introduce a progressive immigration-reform bill, groups such as the Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA ) hoped to see provisions for same-sex partners included in it. Those provisions are already a part of other legislation pending in Congress, such as the Uniting American Families Act. Congressman Mike Quigley, who represents Illinois' 5th district, said on the House floor in October that no immigration-reform bill could be "comprehensive" without LGBT inclusion.
Local activists met with Gutierrez, whose 4th Congressional district includes sections of Chicago's North and South sides, in October, but weren't able to get a commitment from him then. Though the legislation introduced last week, called the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 ( CIR ASAP ) , was praised by the American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) as being ambitious and comprehensive, it was also criticized, by the ACLU and others, for not going far enough.
Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, said in a statement that her group was "disappointed" not to see the sought-after provisions—but she said Immigration Equality remained hopeful that Gutierrez, a longtime ally of the LGBT community, would support future measures: " [ W ] e have every expectation that he will continue to work on behalf of our families as lawmakers tackle this critically important issue."
"Obviously, we're disappointed," said ALMA President Julio Rodriguez. "This bill doesn't speak to all families."
Rodriguez said that his group would focus on doing more community education around issues important to LGBT immigrants. "We haven't done a good enough job getting the larger LGBT community behind the immigration bill," he said.
Rodriguez also said that he was looking at other lawmakers, such as Quigley, who might introduce the provision as an amendment when the bill comes to the floor of the House. "Our goal is to try to see if we can re-insert the conversation," he said.
In a statement released to Windy City Times, Gutierrez said, "The process I am committed to being a part of in Congress will, I hope, address the unacceptable situation that lesbian and gay bi-national couples live under every day. … Everyone's goal should be a comprehensive immigration reform bill that includes a commitment to all families and honors our history as a nation of immigrants. That is my goal, and it is inclusive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, too."
Gutierrez also noted his support for the Uniting American Families Act, which would let U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their gay and lesbian partners for immigration to the United States. That measure received a local boost in support last week as the Chicago City Council passed a resolution, introduced by Aldermen Tom Tunney and Daniel Solis, urging its passage in the House of Representatives.
SF Mayor: Halt Uganda's Homo-Hate 'Circle of Love' on Human Rights Day
(Activists link arms and send a message to Uganda. Photo credit: Clinton Fein.)
A crowd of nearly forty people gathered for thirty-minutes today at the Ugandan pillar in United Nations Plaza, and stood in unbending solidarity with gay Ugandans. Under a cloudy sky, signs were taped to the pillar, voices were raised, passersby offered support, and a successful visibility action took place, for gays on the other side of our small planet.
Mayor Gavin Newsom had a message read by Supervisor Bevan Dufty deploring the Anti-Homosexuality Bill under consideration in any form. Anna Damiani shared a statement from her boss state Sen. Mark Leno. South African-born Clinton Fein spoke about American Christians advising Uganda's president.
African-American transgender and HIV/AIDS advocate Jazzy Collins denounced Ugandan politicians. And Gary Virginia of Gays Without Borders criticized the demonization of gays everywhere.
Among the participants were representatives from many orgs including the Market Street Marijuana Cooperative, Restore Equality 2010, the Rainbow World Fund, St. Francis Lutheran Church, and One Struggle/One Fight.
From the media, Fox affiliate KTVU sent a cameraman, KCBS News Radio had a reporter cover us, as did the Bay Area Reporter and the Bay Times.
After everyone spoke and the reporters asked their questions, we assembled into a "Circle of Love" around the Ugandan pillar. We wanted to symbolize surrounding Uganda's borders with an embrace full of acceptance and tolerance from gays and allies in San Francisco, extended to all of Uganda.
We did some old-fashioned call-and-respond chants. As you read the words on your screen, say them, or if you prefer, shout them out, as a vocal act of solidarity:
"Gay Ugandans under attack. What do we do? ACT UP! Fight back!"
"Lesbian Ugandans under attack. What do we do? ACT UP! Fight back!"
"Transgender Ugandans under attack. What do we do? ACT UP! Fight back!"
"Ugandans with AIDS under attack. What do we do? ACT UP! Fight back!"
Many big thanks to all who made the vigil such an achieve of solidarity. It wouldn't have happened without you.
And to gay Ugandans, we have a message for you: San Francisco officially, politically, spiritually and unconditionally are with you in your time of need.
~~~~~~
Source: Peter Tatchell London Uganda demo – Photos and report
Protesters urge: “Drop the Anti-Homosexuality Bill”
Human Rights Day protest against Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill - Ugandan Embassy, London, 10 December 2009. L-R: Michael Senyonjo, Richard S, Topher Campbell, Peter Tatchell, Godwyns Onwuchekwa, Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay. Credit Brett Lock of OutRage!
Nearly 100 protesters rallied outside the Ugandan Embassy in London on Human Rights Day to support the Ugandan LBGTI community. They called on the Ugandan government to drop its draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which is currently being debated by the Ugandan parliament.
Under this proposed law, LGBTI Ugandans will face execution for certain homosexual acts and life imprisonment for all other same-sex acts – even mere caressing and kissing.
The London protesters included LGBTI activists from the UK and of Jamican descent, plus LGBTI campaigners from Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, the Congo and Kenya.
These photos are free to use. Please credit Brett Lock of OutRage!
The keynote speakers were gay Ugandan John Bosco and straight Ugandan human rights activist, Michael Senyonjo.
John Bosco was recently jailed in Uganda, after he was illegally and forcibly returned to Uganda by the British Home office while seeking asylum in the UK.
He condemned the Anti-Homosexuality Bill as “an attack on the civil liberties of all Ugandans,” denouncing it as “dividing Ugandans against each other and requiring people to report on their own family members who are gay.”
Michael Senyonjo told the crowd:
“In the last five years we have seen Idi Amin return to Uganda and his name is (President) Yoweri Museveni. We cannot allow fascism to return to Uganda. He should leave power and go because he is not taking the country anywhere but to disaster," he said.
Peter Tatchell of the London LGBTI rights group OutRage! echoed this view:
"President Museveni is fast becoming the Robert Mugabe of Uganda and that's a threat to the civil rights of every Ugandan person - gay or straight....There's a huge ground swell of public opinion that this bill goes way too far. Even people who say they're against homosexuality say this bill is excessive and a threat to the human rights of all Ugandans.
The Ugandan government should drop this law and abide by international human rights legislation.
“The Anti-Homosexuality Bill violates the equality and non-discrimination clauses of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We are merely asking Uganda to uphold international human rights law.
“This homophobic legislation undermines the right to privacy and individual liberty and thereby sets a dangerous legal precedent which threatens the human rights of all Ugandans. It is part of a wider drift towards an authoritarian state,” Mr Tatchell said.
The protest MC was Dennis Hambridge, global coordinator of the Gay Activists Alliance International (GAAI). He said the protest was about sending a message to the Uganda government – that the world is watching and that human rights supporters deplore this repressive bill.
Nigerian gay activists Godwyns Onwuchekwa, Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay and Bisi Alimi declared that gay rights are human rights and expressed pan-African solidarity with Ugandan LGBTI people.
Other speakers condemned the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, including Skye Chirape (a Zimbabwean lesbian activist), Topher Campbell (a Black British gay man of Jamaican descent, who is a lead member of the black arts collective, the Rukus Foundation) and Josh Kutchinsky (a spokesperson for the British Humanist Association).
The London protest was coordinated by the Gay Activists Alliance International, with the support of OutRage! and Ugandan LGBTI exiles (most of whom were too afraid to be photographed or identified in case there are reprisals against their families in Uganda).
Other supporting organisations included Changing Attitudes, Rainbow Church, Queer Youth North, British Humanist Association, Rukus Foundation and the National Union of Students LGBT section.
“The new Anti-Homosexuality Bill, if passed, proposes the death penalty for ‘aggravated’ and ‘serial’ homosexual acts and extends the existing penalty of life imprisonment for anal sex to all other same-sex behaviour, including the mere touching of another person with the intent to have gay relations. Life imprisonment is also the penalty for contracting a same-sex mariage,” said Peter Tatchell of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights group OutRage!.
“Membership of LGBT organisations and funding for them, advocacy of LGBT human rights and the provision of condoms or safer sex advice to LGBT people will result in a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of seven years for “promoting” homosexuality. A person in authority who fails to report violators to the police within 24 hours will incur three years behind bars.
“Astonishingly, the new legislation has an extra-territorial jusridiction. It will also apply to Ugandans who commit these ‘crimes’ while living abroad, in countries where such behaviour is not a criminal offence. Violators overseas will be subjected to extradition, trial and punishment in Uganda,” added Mr Tatchell.
According to Dennis Hambridge of GAAI:
“The bill is likely to be detrimental to the fight against HIV/AIDS by denying gay and bisexual men access to condoms and safer sex advice and driving countless numbers of them further underground. It will create even more stigma, discrimination and oppression
“Activists in Uganda have reported to GAAI that there are eight gay people currently awaiting trial or sentencing in Uganda.
“With immense pressure being put on the Ugandan Government to drop the bill, by human rights groups, governments and religious groups worldwide, we call on people in the UK to protest,” he said.
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill has been condemned by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists and the World AIDS Campaign.
It violates the Commonwealth principles of human rights and human dignity. You can email the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, here: secretary-general@commonwealth.int
If you were not able to attend Thursday’s protest, please lobby your MP and MEP. Ask them to write to the Ugandan High Commissioner, Joan Rwabyomere, urging that the legislation is dropped. You can email your MP and MEP here: www.writetothem.com
You can also email the Ugandan High Commissioner, Joan Rwabyomere, yourself: info@ugandahighcommission.co.uk
Thank you.
All power to Ugandan LGBTI people! For a free, democratic, secular and humanitarian Uganda! John Bosco – Gay Ugandan
Terry Conway – Lesbian trade union activist
Peter Tatchell - OutRage! gay activist
Michael Senyonjo – Ugandan human rights activist
Godwyns Onwuchekwa – Nigerian LGBT activist
Topher Campbell - Black gay activist, Rukus Foundation
On coldest day of the year, we stand in solidarity with Ugandan LGBTs
CHICAGO, IL -- The cold was absolutely miserable tonight and the action was initiated just a few days ago despite the nasty weather forecast, but about 20 people still came out on International Human Rights Day to express their solidarity with Ugandan Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT) people facing that country's proposed "Anti-Homosexuality Bill."
As originally proposed, the Ugandan bill would impose the death penalty for some homosexual acts, make speaking out in favor of gay rights an imprisonable offence, and require imprisonment of those who didn't inform on their gay friends, neighbors and relatives.
At 8 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 C) and -20 F wind chill (-29 C), people gathered despite the cancellation of many other public activities in the city this evening. Lacking an official Ugandan consulate in the city, protesters instead held their action outside of the city's LGBT community center.
One of the central themes of speakers at the protest was the importation of Western anti-gay ideas into Africa. When African anti-gay leaders claim that homosexuality is a "Western" import into the continent, they turn reality on its head. Not only have many of the anti-gay actions on the continent been directly inspired by a U.S.-based group known as "The Family" -- which includes several high-ranking U.S. politicians from both major parties -- most of Africa's anti-gay laws are direct descendents of laws imposed by white colonial regimes during the early 20th Century.
Indeed, rather than being indigenous to Uganda, some of the language from Uganda's proposed bill uses language that sounds like it was pulled directly from statements by anti-gay activists in the United States: "This Bill aims at strengthening the nation's capacity to deal with emerging internal and external threats to the traditional family. This legislation further recognizes the fact that same sex attraction is not an innate and immutable characteristic."
Another theme of tonight's action was that pro-gay actions and publicity around the world are beginning to have an effect on the bill. A few weeks ago Ugandan activists reported that the bill -- which proscribed the death penalty for "aggravated" and "serial" homosexuality -- seemed a virtual shoo-in to pass intact. But today came news that the death penalty provision was dropped, and that anti-gay leaders like evangelist Rick Warren and the Vatican have finally publicly condemned the proposed bill.
But while distancing themselves from Uganda's bill in recent statements, both the Catholic hierarchy and Warren also re-stated their moral condemnations of homosexuality. But the pogromist Ugandan bill is just the ultimate, logical extension of these condemnations, even if for the sake of public relations in the West, some anti-gay leaders feel they must reluctantly condemn it. By labeling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people as an entire group "immoral," they dehumanize us. Dehumanizing a group of people is the first step towards legitimizing discrimination and violence against them.
The Gay Liberation Network (www.GayLiberation.net), the initiators of the Chicago action, look forward to future opportunities to work with activists in other countries, especially Uganda, to defeat this bill once and for all.
PLEASE CALL THE WHITE HOUSE Tell Obama to Speak Out Against This Bill: 202-456-1111
PLEASE CALL THE UGANDAN AMBASSADOR Perezi K. Kamunanwire Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 202-726 4758
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