Comments on: Update on Uganda

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:30:38 +0000

Rick Warren has spoken out, addressing Ugandan pastors in no uncertain terms, and correcting public misperceptions about where he stands on this bill:

http://wthrockmorton.com/2009/12/10/rick-warren-issues-statement-to-uganda-regarding-anti-homosexuality-bill-2009/

http://theformers.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/rick-warren-denounces-anti-homosexuality-bill-addresses-ugandan-pastors/

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:13:34 +0000

Thank you, Andrew, for calling for Nov. 17 to be a day of worldwide prayer for Uganda and this misguided bill push. The cultural climate there is easily unthinkable to us here in the U.S. I’m sure another update post is forthcoming from you, but just wanted to let you know your efforts are appreciated, brother.

By: Erp

Erp — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:50:05 +0000

Actually consensual homosexual acts were prosecuted in the US in 2002 (or at least 1998) or there wouldn’t have been the case of Lawrence vs. Texas that led to the laws being struck down in 2003 in the US Supreme Court.

By: David

David — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:24:35 +0000

Rev. Stephen Parelli has also been covering this on his Other Sheep Blog. You can read more at http://othersheepexecsiteblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/other-sheep-press-announcement-pra.html?spref=fb

By: Andrew Marin

Andrew Marin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:43:47 +0000

Jon – There are many countries in Africa that completely oppress gays and lesbians. The link abover is the first of such a distinction that I have ever seen about the potential similarity between old law and this new bill. In reading the link, this new legislation isn’t just about straight people. From what I understand about it, and from what my people on the ground in Uganda tell me, is that the new bill is way more harsh, and will solidify what has not been followed. Here’s an example in the United States – A little known fact is that as recent as 2002, 10 States still had the sodomy criminalization law on the books. It was illegal for two men to have sex, and should have resulted in them going to prision. This was 2002! The law wasn’t practiced though, even though it was in the law. It would be as though in 2002 America introduced such a bill as the Ugandan government is doing now. You would sure be up in arms hoping people around the world stood up for you. Injustice is injustice. I understand that. The treatment of gays and lesbians in Africa is not a model situation. But that doesn’t discount us from fighting to try and change was is an ingrained way of live – new legislation and old.

By: Jon Trouten

Jon Trouten — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:12:26 +0000

In other words, most of the provisions of this bill already exist in law. This bill is bad because straight people may be affected by it b/c of political character-assassination or b/c they didn’t report gay people within 24 hours of learning that they’re gay.

If this bill doesn’t pass, Uganda will still have active draconian laws against gay people, including harsh prison terms. But at least straight people will be safe.

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:31:11 +0000

This battle is probably going to be bumped up to the State Department level very soon. Meanwhile, for those interested in the legal ramifications in Uganda, here is a good analysis by a Makerere University law don:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/opinions/Why_anti-gay_Bill_should_worry_us_93987.shtml

Clearly, Christians have an obligation of conscience to oppose this bill. But the Ugandan Parliament is seeking to take on powers far beyond those prescribed by the country’s constitution. The bill is rife with horrific consequences for all citizens there, and not just gays.

By: Andrew Marin

Andrew Marin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:04:02 +0000

Brad – You’re so right on it’s crazy! The American church has scapegoated the gay community for AIDS in Africa because it’s easier. I’m not saying it’s bad to help, because poor mothers, children and people in Africa need that help; but there must be a clear home-front focus as well – which is almost non-existent.

Mrs. T – Preach that! Working directly with the Warren’s regarding the actual legislation itself is the next step that Dr. Throckmorton and I are currently focusing on. I still don’t know why it has been so difficult….

By: Mrs T

Mrs T — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:39:44 +0000

Back in the early 80s when we first heard about AIDS, I was kind of disappointed that Christians didn’t try to minister to these victims more. When someone is at death’s door, they are more likely to be open to the Gospel. Duh! Let’s not mess up our opportunity again!

By: Josh

Josh — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:36:48 +0000

I know a lot of churches here in America that have ties to Uganda…I hope they speak up on this issue before it’s too late.

By: Libby

Libby — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:03:08 +0000

Thanks for the update.

By: Brad Ogilvie

Brad Ogilvie — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:29:54 +0000

Africa has presented a real dilemma for so much of the faith community – a dilemma that really does need continuous and loving work. So much of the evangelical community that did nothing about AIDS in the US jumped all over the Bono bandwagon and ran off to Africa after he effectively contorted the issue of HIV/AIDS beyond recognition. People said AIDS work was about victims in Africa, but was a moral judgment in the west. But the fact is that gay men are multiple times more likely to get HIV in Africa than any other group (and then spread it to women). As long as this disconnect is maintained, and US-based churches are complicit through their silence, AIDS will continue to spread and kill unnecessarily throughout the world. So while I applaud Saddleback for these steps, I think they can and should do more, as Mrs. T suggests.