Cicilline Appalled by Signing of Ugandan Anti-LGBT Bill

Statement

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations and a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, today issued the following statement regarding Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's decision to sign into law legislation that would intensify the criminalization of consensual same-sex relations:

"I am appalled that President Museveni backtracked on his announcement that he would reject this odious legislation that promotes discrimination. As a global community, we have made great strides in recognizing the basic human rights of LGBT individuals, but today's action is a step backward for all Ugandans. The approval of this legislation is part of a disturbing trend in several countries around the world that undermines basic human rights and principles of equality. It would impose unacceptable penalties on LGBT persons, those who speak out about the experiences and rights of LGBT individuals, and potentially those who provide support or services to the LGBT population. This misguided law jeopardizes the relations between our two nations, and as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I will carefully review how it may change the nature of our relationship going forward."

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