http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=208825148Host: Rachel Martin Source: NPR (Weekend Edition)
[Audio clip 4 minutes 19 seconds long]
"In Uganda, local activists have been fighting a bill that might be one of the most punitive and anti-gay measures in the world. It's actually called the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and that's just one vote away from becoming law."
"Right. The death penalty provision was removed and some people know this as the Kill the Gays Bill. But however, the bill still has really harsh punishments for homosexuality, as well as for the crime of not informing authorities that someone you know is gay. So just staying mum can get you three years in the slammer, and that applies to anyone - landlords, teachers, friends or family." Being LGBT in Uganda can be devastating, people can be expelled from schools or fired from their jobs.
Many doubt the bill will actually pass, because western nations have threatened to stop sending funds if the bill becomes law, which would be tantamount to "economic suicide."
See also:
Why Gay Pride Celebrations In Uganda Were Discreethttp://www.npr.org/2013/08/05/209110526/why-gay-pride-celebrations-in-ugana-were-discreetAuthor: Gregory Warner Source: NPR (Morning Edition)
[Audio clip 4 minutes 45 seconds long]
"Gay pride celebrations around the world are all about proclaiming loudly: I'm out and I'm proud. The celebration in Uganda is quite a bit more discreet. There discrimination against gays is widespread and widely accepted. Uganda's parliament is lingering over a long-debated piece of legislation that's extremely anti-gay, all of which didn't stop the festivities entirely. NPR's Gregory Warner sent us this postcard from the week-long Uganda Pride."
Edit: fixed grammatical error
