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US Diplomats working with Uganda’s LGBT community to deafeat anti-gay bill

03/11/2010 by JR Russell

The Obama administration’s opposition to Uganda’s anti-gay bill — which calls for the execution of gays and lesbians who have homo sex more than once, the imprisonment of people who keep gays hidden and the abolition of organizations that advocate for gay rights — is well-known. Clinton spoke with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni about the legislation last fall, and US President Barack Obama recently denounced it in a speech.

But until now, it was not known that the US government is actively soliciting the views of Uganda’s gays and lesbians.

Kiyimba said he wishes last week’s meeting had happened sooner. “The meeting is a bit late,” he said. “They should have consulted us last fall.”

via Obama administration meets with gay leaders in Uganda.

Kaj Hasselriis is in Uganda and reports to Xtra.ca that two senior diplomats have met with representatives of the LGBT community in Uganda.

They discussed economic sanctions, the role of the American evangelical movement and the possibility of a visit from Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Other issues discussed included how the United States would deal with LGBT refugees from Uganda should the bill pass, and arranging visas for LGBT leaders to visit the US to raise America’s awareness of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and its implications.

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