WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Caitlin Hayden, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, on Thursday, June 19, announced measures the United States is taking in response to the enactment in Uganda of anti-homosexuality laws.
“As President Obama has stated, the Government of Uganda’s enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) runs counter to universal human rights and complicates our bilateral relationship,” Hayden said. “We announced in April a series of initial responses, and we have since considered how further to reinforce our support for human rights of all Ugandans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Today, we are announcing several additional steps. Specifically, the Department of State is taking measures to prevent entry into the United States by certain Ugandan officials involved in serious human rights abuses, including against LGBT individuals. In addition, the United States will take steps, consistent with current authorities, to prevent entry into the United States by Ugandans who are found responsible for significant
public corruption. We are also discontinuing or redirecting funds for certain additional programs involving the Ugandan Police Force, Ministry of Health, and National Public Health Institute, and cancelling plans to hold a U.S. military-sponsored aviation exercise in Uganda.
“None of these steps diminishes our commitment to providing development and humanitarian support for the Ugandan people, or our partnership with the Ugandan government to counter the murderous Lord’s Resistance Army and improve security in Africa. We will seek to advance these interests even as we continue—in Uganda and around the world—to oppose discriminatory practices and champion human rights for all.”
The announcement won prompt approval from U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, co-chair of the Congressional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Equality Caucus and one of eight openly LGBT members of Congress.
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“I applaud President Obama’s decision to advance the protection of basic human rights in Uganda,” Cicilline said. “Today’s action sends a strong message that the U.S. rejects persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity wherever it may occur and is an important reminder that we must do more to protect basic human rights abroad.
“In February, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni approved legislation that expands criminalization of consensual, same-sex relations, and imposes penalties up to life in prison. The approval of this legislation is part of a disturbing trend in several countries around the world that undermines basic human rights and principles of equality. Earlier today, I introduced the Global Respect Act in the U.S. House of
Representatives to protect the international LGBT community by banning foreigners who have committed or incited gross violations of basic human rights against LGBT individuals from entering the United States.
“Our nation has a responsibility to stand for the principles of dignity, equality, and freedom of expression, and I welcome President Obama’s decision to stand with the international LGBT community and urge Congress to enact the Global Respect Act to advance equal rights around the world.”
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Preceding provided by the White House and by Congressman David Cicilline