allAfrica.com: Uganda: Can We Talk Honestly About Homosexuality?

28.1.11

allAfrica.com: Uganda: Can We Talk Honestly About Homosexuality?: "David Kato, a gay rights activist who campaigned against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and who sued a local tabloid last year after it named him as being homosexual, was killed in his home this week.

Police say they are investigating the circumstances of his death and it is not yet clear whether this was a homophobic attack in which Mr Kato was targeted for his sexual orientation or his thoughts about the matter.

Whatever the motive behind the killing, this incident reminds us of the homophobia that is widespread in our country and society - and the deadly consequences of not dealing with it.

Homosexuality is illegal under Ugandan law and the Anti Homosexuality Bill prescribes harsher punishments, including the death penalty for sodomy.

While such legislation might serve as a deterrent, it will not eliminate homosexuality and might cement the discrimination of sexual minorities."