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Hate Follows David Kato to his Grave

Posted by: Lez Get Real on January 28, 2011.

Melanie Nathan January 28, 2011.

David Kato

In the wake of the brutal death of David Kato, all eyes are on Brenda Namigadde; will the Ugandan Lesbian be saved from deportation to Uganda today? Gays, Lesbians, LGBT communities, and public figures around the world are mourning the tragic death of Gay activist and leader, Ugandan David Kato. The insidious hate which followed him through his life continues in his death, by those who would attempt to discount his heroism and iconic status, -his place in history, during a time when anti-homosexual (LGBT) sentiment is at a fervent high in Uganda and the rest of Africa.

David Kato was the plaintiff who won the highly publicized case in Uganda against Ugandan Rolling Stone Magazine, which published the Photographs and names of 100 gay people, inciting violence through the accompanying rhetoric.

After his name had been published he feared for his life – convinced that the Rolling Stone Article would secure his demise. Now Ugandan Lesbian Brenda Namigadde’s fate remains unknown as the moment draws closer to her removal flight from London for Kampala tonight.

President Barack Obama issued this statement last night:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom. The United States mourns his murder, and we recommit ourselves to David’s work.

At home and around the world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected to unconscionable bullying, discrimination, and hate. In the weeks preceding David Kato’s murder in Uganda, five members of the LGBT community in Honduras were also murdered. It is essential that the Governments of Uganda and Honduras investigate these killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.

LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights. My Administration will continue to strongly support human rights and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons abroad. We do this because we recognize the threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we share their commitment to advancing freedom, fairness, and equality for all.

In my conversation with MP David Bahati, the author of the anti-homosexuality bill pending the Ugandan parliament, and Giles Muhame of Rolling Stone – they both spoke the Uganda talking points – - “Uganda is a Sovereign Country – We do not believe that homosexuality is a human right.”

Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin also issued condolence statements. The world sees David Kato as a hero. No amount of gay bashing, following him into his grave, will derogate from that fact. The horrendous news paper RED PEPPER article below will do little more than open the eyes of the world to the continued horror of gay hate and where it leads.

Today the UK Home Office under leadership of Theresa May, has the opportunity to stay the imminent deportation of Brenda Namigadde. Gays and Lesbians and all those who care around the world should insist that the United Kingdom, notorious for its ‘fast tracking’ of lesbian and gay deportees , back to Countries that promote gay hate, immediately stay all deportations in fast track, for further investigation.

While Brenda Namigadde may be saved tonight, through the diligence and extraordinary work of LGBT activists around the world, how many have slipped through the cracks?

KATO Red Pepper

Watch BBC Video report of Old Interview with David KATO about his activism, fear and harassment. T http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/9379495.stm This Interview also shows remarks by Preacher SEMPA who says Kato’s death is a time to reflect on how bad homosexuality is. People in streets interviewed and believe gays should be out to death for being gay.

ALSO Click here to hear Brenda Namigadde talk about her predicament and fears – BBC recorded interview today – and asked Brenda about David’s death and her fears.