Solidarity statement with sexual minorities in Uganda

We, the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Bisexual persons of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, wish to show our support and solidarity with the LGBTIQ community of Uganda and Sexual Minorities Uganda as they face uncertainty following the tabling in Parliament of the Anti-Homosexuality bill no 18.on the 14th of October 2009. We note that this proposed legislation, if passed, will be a breach to the fundamental rights and freedoms of all LGBTIQ persons of Uganda.

Further, this bill seeks to control and dictate every Ugandan’s sexuality and gender expression by criminalizing consensual same sex relationships and self identities .The belief that homosexuality is unnatural and a threat to traditional family values is promoting false prejudices that target the LGBTI community and render them vulnerable to acts that are in violation of their rights as citizens, which in turn degrade the value and efforts put in achieving a democratic state of Uganda.

As Kenyans who risk facing the same legislative discrimination, considering the shared borders and legal jurisprudence of the East African community, we are pledging our infinite support and adding our voices to demand that the Ugandan parliament refrain from passing this bill into law. Additionally, we encourage the East African community to challenge these appalling acts directed towards minority communities and especially sexual minorities. We further condemn the justification of human rights violations in the name of morality and culture that go against the good will of all states that have signed and ratified the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

In light of the homophobic responses and reaction from the Ugandan government and its agencies and as an effort from the LGBTI community that raise awareness and challenge all forms of human rights violations perpetrated on the basis of one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity (arbitrary arrests and detention, physical assault, emotional and mental assault, hate speeches and hate crimes ), we urge the government of Uganda to refrain from such acts and put in place mechanisms that address the issue of gender and sexual based violence against all Uganda citizens.

Regardless of our personal moral beliefs and values, our sexual orientation and gender identity we are standing up in solidarity with our Ugandan brothers and sisters to agitate for the respect for Democracy, the Constitution and its enshrined principles of human dignity, equality, freedom and justice for all.
In solidarity,
Pouline Kimani
Steering committee
For: Gay and lesbian coalition of Kenya