The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Mr. Frank LaRue, urge the Ugandan Government to drop, entirely, the the "anti-homosexuality" bill now pending before the Ugandan parliament.

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The Rapporteurs called the bill a "clear breach of international human rights norms and standards" which, if adopted, would "gravely tarnish the image of Uganda on the regional and international scenes...have an extremely damaging impact on the important and legitimate work of human rights defenders in the country, and...curtail fundamental freedoms."

“The Bill would not only violate the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ugandan people,” stressed Margaret Sekaggya and Frank La Rue, “but would also criminalise the legitimate activities of men and women, as well as national and international organisations, who strive for the respect for equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.”

“The Bill would further unjustifiably obstruct the exercise of the right to freedoms of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association, by prohibiting the publication and dissemination of materials on homosexuality, as well as funding and sponsoring related activities,” the Special Rapporteurs said.

Full Text of Statement on Uganda by United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights Defenders and Freedom of Expression