Uganda Anti-Gay Bill Considered "Likely To Pass"

Uh-oh. The now-infamous anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda is apparently "likely to pass" and become law, according to Reuters.

The draft Anti-Homosexuality Bill is part of a growing campaign against homosexuals in Uganda, rights groups say. Critics say the aim is to divert attention from corruption and other political issues ahead of the 2011 national vote.

But the bill's author, lawmaker David Bahati, says the legislation is about promoting family values. "Homosexuality is not part of the human rights we believe in," he said.

Activists and political observers expect the private members' bill, which proscribes the death penalty for "serial offenders" and is still in the committee stage, to pass with little opposition and some minor changes.

Likely changes may include modifying the death penalty to life imprisonment, altering clauses nullifying international treaties, conventions and protocols that contradict the act, and removing a section about extradition.

"It's catastrophic," said Frank Mugisha, chairman of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a local activist group.

"People are being arrested, intimidated already. What's going to happen if it's passed?"

Numerous rights groups say they will challenge the law in court if it does become law, but the real damage has alareday been mostly done. By sending the message that it is even considering the death penalty for the crime of "aggravated homosexuality" that will chill the climate for LGBT people all over the entire African continent.