Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill got a hearing today and looks to be headed for a vote in a lame duck session of the country's parliament which ends in a little more than a week.
Gay Uganda writes that the bill is a diversion:
Less than a week ago, the opposition parties started a 'walk-to-work' peaceful protest. The government responded with over whelming violence. Currently, as I write, the major opposition leader is in neighbouring Kenya, for medical attention for injuries he received during one of his 4 arrests. They sprayed tear gas and pepper direct into his face, after breaking down his car windows. And, this was in full view of the press.
The next day, riots paralysed the country. It was after the video of that arrest was shown on TV. Ugandans, the citizens of the country were appalled. They came out on strike. And, the government responded with overwhelming violence again. So bad that the spectre of Idi Amin Dada, famous dictator and life president of Uganda was raised.
So, the country is in a ferment. With the coronation to happen in just a few days time. So, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is beind discussed… and ready to be passed.
So, it is a DIVERSION. The government needs a heady diversion for the country. For the outraged citizens of Uganda.
Box Turtle Bulletin notes: "If the bill makes it out of the committee today, it could conceivably receive its final vote next week before Parliament ends on Wednesday."
Warren Throckmorton confirms that hearings took place today: "Today, public hearings on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill took place before the Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Committee, according to the bill author, David Bahati. In an interview, Bahati said that the Uganda Law Reform Commission and several religious leaders were on the list of those slated to provide testimony. He added, 'I know that the process of legislation is moving forward.'"
