PMO copies US embassy’s statement on Uganda’s anti-gay bill

A statement issued by the PMO on Uganda’s proposed anti-gay bill is nearly identical to a statement previously released by a US embassy official, notes the Globe’s Jane Taber.

Canada’s statement, issued by PMO spokesperson Dimitri Soudas:

“If adopted, a bill further criminalizing homosexuality would
constitute a significant step backwards for the protection of human
rights in Uganda. Canada has clearly spoken out
against human-rights violations committed against persons on the basis
of their sexual orientation and we urge states to take all necessary
measures to ensure that sexual orientation and gender identity may
under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in
particular executions, arrests, or detention.”

The US embassy’s statement, issued weeks ago by US embassy public affairs officer Joann
Lockard:

“If adopted, a bill further criminalizing homosexuality
would constitute a significant step backwards for the protection of
human rights in Uganda. We urge states to take all necessary measures
to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no
circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular
executions, arrests, or detention.”

Read more on Janet Taber’s blog post

***

Uganda’s proposed anti-gay bill is a draconian attempt to wipe out gays from Ugandan society. It would impose a death penalty for anyone convicted of “aggravated homosexuality,” and it would criminalize anyone who fails to report gays and lesbians to the police.

It’s a bit concerning that the PMO — stacked full of gay rights opponents — couldn’t find its own words to oppose such a blatantly awful law.

Still, the real test comes later this week. Harper is attending a Commonwealth summit of 53 countries, an event that is being chaired by Uganda’s president. Will Harper step up to the plate and lead the growing condemnation of Uganda’s anti-gay bill?

Read more:

Keep Reading

The new generation of gay Conservative sellouts

OPINION: Melissa Lantsman’s and Eric Duncan’s refusals to call out their party’s transphobia is a betrayal of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Over 300 anti-LGBTQ2S+ bills have been introduced this year. This doesn’t mean we should panic

OPINION: While it’s important to watch out for threats, not all threats are created equally. Some of these bills will die a natural death

Xtra’s top LGBTQ2S+ stories of the year

The best and brightest—even most bewildering—stories from a back catalogue brimming with insight

Elon Musk and Texas attorney general Ken Paxton are suing Media Matters. Here’s why queer and trans people should care

OPINION: When politicians and the rich leverage the power of the state to quell dissent, we all lose