San Francisco -Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is a student-run club in a high school or middle school that brings together LGBTQI and straight students to support each other, provide a safe place to socialize, and create a platform for activism to fight homophobia and transphobia.

On June 09, 2011, Geoffrey De Sousa & Erik Hughes, Fabulous By Design – will host  the GSA Network fund raising event at their spectacular venue in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful design showrooms,  At the De Sousa Hughes Design Showroom -to raise key funds to bolster their efforts to end bullying, empower youth leaders, and create schools that are safe for every student.

Featuring…

• Silent auction with incredible vacation packages, gift certificates, and more
• Delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres
• A chance to hear from the young leaders impacted by GSA Network

BIG SECRET OUT:- LezGetReal is first to announce that the GSA Network super secret live auction item for the fundraising event at  will be an Emmy Awards Red Carpet Experience, with two nights in a luxury hotel, two VIP tix to the Emmy’s, and a chance to walk the Red Carpet!  I mean, the chance to walk the carpet with the likes of the Glee cast, etc is really priceless!

You are cordially invited to

Fabulous By Design

A Benefit for Gay-Straight Alliance Network

Thursday, June 9, 2011, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

VIP Reception begins at 5:30 p.m.

At the De Sousa Hughes Design Showroom

The San Francisco Design Center

2 Henry Adams St. #220
San Francisco, CA 94103

The evening will include a silent auction with incredible vacation packages, gift certificates, and more, a special live auction, plus hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Guests will also have a chance to hear from the amazing young leaders impacted by GSA Network. Regular tickets $75 – VIP tickets $125   – To purchase tickets and for more information, visit: www.gsanetwork.org/fabulous

GSA Network helps LGBTQ students and straight allies organize GSA clubs focused on activism to create safer schools. It’s resources empower students to advocate for safe schools policies, mobilize their peers to stand up for safety and equality, and train teachers to stop bullying. By providing in-depth leadership and activist training for youth, GSA Network is building a generation of leaders for LGBTQ rights and social justice. As a youth-driven organization, GSA Network brings the voices and perspectives of youth to the forefront of the LGBTQ movement.

GSA Network’s successful youth-led organizing in California is a national model that is accelerating the growth and impact of the GSA movement nationwide.

• Activist Camps
• Conferences, including the Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) in San Francisco, Expression Not Suppression (ENS) in the Central Valley, and a variety of conferences in Southern California
• Leadership Trainings and Summits
• GAYLA: GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy
• Queer Youth Advocacy Day
• National Gathering
• Special Events

You can support GSA Network by making a gift today. Donate now.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

NLGJA-DC is proud to co-sponsor “Out on Assignment,” part of the Capital Pride Kickoff.The evening includes a panel of journalists discussing the state of LGBT media. It all happens Wednesday, June 1st starting at 7 P.M. at the National Press Club, 529 14th ST NW, 13th Floor.

Former Human Rights Campaign President Elizabeth Birch will deliver opening remarks.

Matt Friedman
President, NLGJA-DC

Photo by Mel Nathan

This week, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Southern Poverty Law Center sent a letter to Minnesota’s Anoka-Hennepin School District demanding that District officials immediately repeal its gag policy preventing teachers from discussing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and take immediate action to address the bullying and harassment that LGBT students in the District regularly face.

The letter pointed out that the gag policy serves no legitimate education-related purpose, leaves teachers without tools to handle LGBT bullying, and creates an atmosphere in which LGBT students are isolated and feel unprotected. The policy singles out LGBT students by denying them, and them alone, any affirmation of their identity and by categorically precluding any meaningful classroom discussion about history, literature, current events, or any other relevant lessons involving LGBT people. It stigmatizes LGBT students as pariahs, not fit to be mentioned within the school community, and is the root of a pervasive pattern of hostility toward LGBT students that has resulted in tragic consequences in District schools.

Watch this video of NCLR Staff Attorney Ilona Turner, who has been working on the case

This week, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Southern Poverty Law Center sent a letter to Minnesota’s Anoka-Hennepin School District demanding that District officials immediately repeal its gag policy preventing teachers from discussing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and take immediate action to address the bullying and harassment that LGBT students in the District regularly face.

The letter pointed out that the gag policy serves no legitimate education-related purpose, leaves teachers without tools to handle LGBT bullying, and creates an atmosphere in which LGBT students are isolated and feel unprotected. The policy singles out LGBT students by denying them, and them alone, any affirmation of their identity and by categorically precluding any meaningful classroom discussion about history, literature, current events, or any other relevant lessons involving LGBT people. It stigmatizes LGBT students as pariahs, not fit to be mentioned within the school community, and is the root of a pervasive pattern of hostility toward LGBT students that has resulted in tragic consequences in District schools.

Watch this video of NCLR Staff Attorney Ilona Turner, who has been working on the case

This week, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Southern Poverty Law Center sent a letter to Minnesota’s Anoka-Hennepin School District demanding that District officials immediately repeal its gag policy preventing teachers from discussing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and take immediate action to address the bullying and harassment that LGBT students in the District regularly face.

The letter pointed out that the gag policy serves no legitimate education-related purpose, leaves teachers without tools to handle LGBT bullying, and creates an atmosphere in which LGBT students are isolated and feel unprotected. The policy singles out LGBT students by denying them, and them alone, any affirmation of their identity and by categorically precluding any meaningful classroom discussion about history, literature, current events, or any other relevant lessons involving LGBT people. It stigmatizes LGBT students as pariahs, not fit to be mentioned within the school community, and is the root of a pervasive pattern of hostility toward LGBT students that has resulted in tragic consequences in District schools.

Watch this video of NCLR Staff Attorney Ilona Turner, who has been working on the case

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Author Eric Ross visited an elementary school in San Francisco last week to read his new marriage equality children’s book, ‘My Uncle’s Wedding’ to approximately 40 first grade students. The reading coincided with the celebration of Harvey Milk Day, a holiday celebrating the achievements of the late Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected into public office in California.

“It was an honor to read ‘My Uncle’s Wedding’ to the kids,” said Ross. “I wish all schools had a more inclusive curriculum that didn’t sensor history or current events.”

Maybe Eric Ross will get his wish after all, at least in California. During his book launch, CA Senator Mark Leno stopped by to present him with a proclamation for ‘My Uncle’s Wedding,’ a book which Leno said played a “vital role in creating a brighter future for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their parents.” Leno went on to talk about the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act, a bill that would amend the Education Code to include social sciences instruction on the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. A video of Leno’s speech on the proclamation and the FAIR Education Act can be found here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLaD044fjak

“I can’t wait for the day when our children get a complete picture of history instead of one-sided, fractional pieces of information,” said Ross. “Knowledge is power and hiding information from people only hurts us. Maybe HIV and AIDS wouldn’t be as devastating now if Reagan didn’t hide from the fact that it existed for so long. And if you didn’t know that the President failed to acknowledge the existence of the epidemic until over 20,000 Americans died, you would benefit from the passing of the FAIR Education Act.”

Ross hopes that having an LGBT inclusive curriculum will also help children see the important contributions from the LGBT community. “Hopefully people will learn the value that we bring to society, and hopefully students that struggle with their own sexual orientation or identity will be less likely to commit suicide when they see that diversity is something that should be celebrated.”

Want to improve student education in your city? Consider donating a book to your local school or library. Sometimes donating books is the only way to get them into schools and libraries, and ‘My Uncle’s Wedding’ would make an excellent gift.

To learn more about Eric Ross’ marriage equality children’s book, ‘My Uncle’s Wedding, visit www.myuncleswedding.com

To learn more about the FAIR Education Act, visit http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=6451639

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

We have been counting down this announcement as it now finally appears on the OUTSERVE website -  An International Conference to be held October 13-16, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada, OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel,  announced today that they will host the first annual OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 13-16 2011 at New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

The OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit will provide an international forum on enhancing military readiness through encouraging an environment of respect with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It will provide the LGBT military community a means of building professional networks, sharing best practices and formulating strategies that help build a stronger  military community. The Summit will feature respected and well-known authorities speaking on a range of topics, intriguing and groundbreaking panels, and interactive workshops that address diversity as a strength.

“We believe diversity is a force multiplier, and this conference will bring together veterans, active-duty military, and other experts to help us leverage LGBT inclusion for the benefit of military readiness,” said “JD Smith,” OutServe’s active-duty co-director, who is identified by a pseudonym while “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is still in effect. “Building an environment of mutual respect is ingrained in our military values, and as active-duty soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who happen to be gay, that’s what we are working toward.”

Organizations and businesses are jumping quickly to sponsor the groundbreaking event. The Human Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Amazon, Courage  Campaign, the Log Cabin Republicans, and more have already signed on.

Among the many topics to be featured: how allied military forces have welcomed LGBT personnel; latest research on diversity inside the military and out; and resources for LGBT military partners and families.

“As Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have shown us through their ‘Joining Forces’ project, supporting military families is supporting the military,” added Smith. “Providing resources to LGBT military partners and families is a priority for us since the military is currently prohibited from giving any spousal benefits to them.”

The OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit will be open to actively serving military personnel, the veteran community, civil servants and interested civilians. OutServe is also proud to welcome our foreign military allies to the Summit.

To register for the conference please go to www.outserve.org/summit.  Members of the media interested in attending should contact Sue Fulton, OutServe Communications Director, at sue.fulton@outserve.org.

OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With over 3,000 members and 42 chapters worldwide, it is the one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Rick Santorum

Pennsylvania Republican Rick Santorum is making plans to throw his hat into the presidential ring and will make a big announcement about his plans in two weeks, an aide told The Des Moines Register this morning. Santorum, 53, a former two-term senator, will reveal his plans the week of June 5, but his staff said they’re still working out the details on which state he’ll choose for his launching pad.

“Rick” Santorum (born May 10, 1958) is a former United States Senator from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum is a member of the Republican Party and was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.

Santorum is considered both a social and fiscal conservative. He is particularly known for his stances on the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Social Security, intelligent design, anti-GAY stance , and the Terri Schiavo case.

In March 2007, Santorum joined the law firm Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. He was to primarily practice law in the firm’s Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. offices, where he was to provide business and strategic counseling services to the firm’s clients. In addition to his work with the firm, Santorum also serves as a Senior Fellow with the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., and was a contributor to Fox News Channel.

Santorum is a prospective candidate for President of the United States in the 2012 election. He formed a presidential exploratory committee on April 13, 2011.

As the Moines Register notes, Santorum has paid 16 visits to New Hampshire, 15 to Iowa, and 14 to South Carolina. So it’s anybody’s guess which state Santorum will pick to officially get in the mix.

(San Francisco, CA, May 24, 2011)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) sent a letter to Minnesota’s Anoka-Hennepin School District demanding that District officials immediately repeal the gag policy that prevents teachers from discussing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and take immediate action to address the bullying and harassment that LGBT students in the District regularly face.

According to the letter, “the gag policy serves no legitimate education-related purpose. Rather, as made abundantly clear in the District’s own guidance about the policy, the gag policy singles out a vulnerable and disfavored minority—LGBT students—and prevents teachers and other district employees from supporting, or even protecting, those students within the classroom. The mandatory silence imposed by the policy leaves teachers without tools to handle LGBT bullying, and creates an atmosphere in which LGBT students are isolated and feel unprotected.”

The letter also states that the gag policy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. “This fundamental constitutional guarantee prohibits school district officials from singling out any group of students for disfavored treatment based solely on their membership in an unpopular minority,” the letter states. “The gag policy singles out LGBT students by denying them and them alone any affirmation of their identity and by categorically precluding any meaningful classroom discussion about history, literature, current events, or any other relevant lessons involving LGBT people. The policy imposes a stigma on LGBT students as pariahs, not fit to be mentioned within the school community, a message that comes across loud and clear both to LGBT students and their peers, and which has grave repercussions for the psychological and emotional development of LGBT students.”

The letter was prompted after a number of present and past District students requested that SPLC and NCLR investigate the pervasive harassment they have experienced based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender expression at District schools. The ongoing investigation has found that the gag policy contributes significantly to the lack of safety of LGBT students and students perceived as LGBT within the District.

The investigation revealed that numerous students throughout the District have faced severe bullying based on their sexual orientation or gender expression, which school officials either ignored or responded to ineffectively. Just a few examples include:

One student faced daily verbal and physical harassment at school because of the perception that she is a lesbian. She reported the harassment to teachers and administrators numerous times, including the vice principal and the principal, but the only response was an occasional verbal reprimand with no consequences for the harassers. The District took no action, and she eventually dropped out of school and attempted suicide after the constant harassment became too much to bear.

Another student reported chronic anti-LGBT harassment to authorities for two years, only to be advised by administrators to leave the school because they could not protect him.

One teenager endured years of verbal and physical harassment based on his sexual orientation and perceived gender nonconformity before dropping out of school. In one incident, he was violently assaulted and called “faggot” as a teacher and students stood by.

“In every one of these incidents, and many others, District authorities failed to properly respond to repeated reports of verbal and physical harassment, in violation of their legal obligations,” the letter states. “These incidents and others like them appear to be part of a pervasive pattern of hostility against LGBT students within District schools, which has had dire consequences. Many LGBT students have been pushed out of the District altogether; many have experienced emotional and psychological scars as a result of constant bullying.” Most tragically, the letter reports that since November 2009, at least four LGBT students in the District have died by suicide.

“The District is in flagrant violation of its legal and constitutional responsibilities to its students,” said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter. “The unchecked hostility that LGBT students face every day in Anoka-Hennepin’s schools has gone on long enough. The discriminatory gag policy must be repealed, and the District must take serious steps to address and prevent anti-LGBT bullying before one more student is pushed out of school or pushed to the brink of despair.”

“The gag policy is anything but neutral,” said Sam Wolfe, lead attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center. “It is rooted in homophobia and sustains a hostile environment harmful to all students. The District must repeal this dangerous policy.”

The letter calls for the prompt repeal of the gag policy and immediate action to address and prevent the bullying of LGBT students and those perceived as LGBT. The letter warns the Anoka-Hennepin School District that without meaningful action to remedy the current hostile environment, the organizations intend to file a federal lawsuit on behalf of their clients against the District.

In January 2011, NCLR and SPLC, along with the Minneapolis law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP, brought a lawsuit in federal court for an emergency injunction against the Anoka-Hennepin School District when the District threatened to cancel the traditional royalty court procession for the Snow Days winter formal dance at Champlin Park High School in order to prevent two lesbian students, Dez Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom, from walking together. That lawsuit was successfully resolved in mediation and the District agreed to allow the girls to walk together.

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRrights.org

The Southern Poverty Law Center, with offices in Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama, is a nonprofit civil rights organization that combats bigotry and discrimination through litigation, education and advocacy. For more information, see www.SPLCenter.org

Joseph Brooks Suicide

New York; Remember the huge the pop hit “You Light Up My Life” recorded by Debby Boone,  the number one song of 1977 on the Billboard pop chart? The man who wrote it, Joseph Brooks, 73, who happened to be up on a bunch of rape and sexual assault charges actually had the audacity to end his own life, today.

Brooks was facing charges on 11 alleged rapes and sex assaults, New York Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said.

The Oscar-winning songwriter was found dead on a couch in his Manhattan home by a friend with whom he was supposed to have lunch at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Browne said.  A plastic dry cleaning bag and a towel were wrapped around his head, with a tube connected to a helium tank attached and a suicide note close by the body.

The song, which was written as the title track for a movie, won an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Grammy for Brooks.

melanie nathan
@oblogdeeoblogda
nathan@privatecourts.com

In Spain, as in all of Europe and the United States, we have suffered an economic crisis produced by a fierce neo-liberalism that doesn’t have limits. In Spain we are paying for the crisis with an unemployment rate of 20%, and of 45% among the young. Unemployment, the impossibility of obtaining housing because of high prices, the loss of housing for those who aren’t able to pay the mortgage, the reduction of salaries and in addition the loss of social rights that our parents and grandparents won with difficulty, all this paints a desolate social landscape.

The right of public health, education, workers’ rights, pubic pensions… all that seems to have blown up due to the greed of speculators and failure of the system to control them. And when the entire system entered into crisis, instead of passing the bill on to those who provoked the crisis, we find that public money is being used to rescue them, our money is being given to the banks.

To this we add the frustration of observing how the political class is dedicated solely to trying to win elections by accusing each other, without offering any solution to the public or hope. Politicians have become a breed apart from the real lives of people who they claim to represent. Corruption has infiltrated every party, they protect each other instead of passing laws that will truly put an end to it. The public has the feeling that they do not choose anything other than names and faces, those who govern the world do not sit in parliament, that democracy linked to the state-nation of the twentieth century is not fit for the twenty-first century.

On the 15^th of May, a group of young people calling themselves ‘The Indignant’ called for a demonstration under the slogan ‘Real Democracy Now.’ What they are asking for is a novelty: democratic regeneration and democratic participation. That democracy be returned to the hands of the citizens, that we can truly select the politicians that we want, the political economy that we want. And they also say to the system that ‘We aren’t merchandise in the hands of politicians and bankers.”

We are citizens and citizens with rights and we want to live better. The demonstration called for through social networks is a success and one of the most well attended in recent years. And beyond this, surprisingly, the movement is growing. 
What is surprising is that in a system in which the political parties control everything, this movement was born from the young and without the help of either party, nor of any union. They have been caught by surprise and don’t know how to react.

After the demonstration on May 15^th, young people have been camping in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, the main town square in the city, with their banners and their slogans. After the first night the authorities ordered evacuation and followed through. Television news showed police evacuating a public space and young people who resisted peacefully and only demanded more democracy and respect for existing rights. The next afternoon a human tide returned to Puerta del Sol by the thousands and now they could not dislodge them. Since then a permanent assembly of political discussion has been organized at Puerta del Sol where they discuss everything, everything that the supposedly democratic system does not let us discuss. Little by little the town squares in Spain have been filling up with people who discuss politics, in the cities and in the towns; ordinary people who know what they want and want to tell it to those who supposedly represent us. This is precisely one of the slogans chanted at the politicians “You don’t represent us!” No one knows how this will end but whatever happens, what is clear is nothing will be he same because what we’ve demonstrated is that if a community takes to the streets peacefully demanding their rights, there is no government that can deny them.

What we want is to be treated as citizens with rights and not as a commodity that is used and broken. What we want is respect for our rights that guarantee a life of dignity, housing, work, education, health, pensions, decent salaries, what we want is that the European Welfare State, the social state that cost so much to obtain, is not destroyed by fierce capitalism, what we want is not to be robbed of life.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

En España, como en toda Europa y EE.UU hemos sufrido la crisis económica producida por un neoliberalismo feroz y que no tiene límites. En España la crisis la estamos pagando con un índice de paro del 20% pero de un 45% entre los jóvenes. El paro, la imposibilidad de acceder a una vivienda debido a sus altos precios, la pérdida de la vivienda para quienes no pueden pagar la hipoteca, las bajadas de sueldos y además la pérdida de derechos sociales que nuestros antepasados conquistaron duramente, todo eso dibuja un panorama social desolador. El derecho a la sanidad pública, a la educación, los derechos de los trabajadores, las pensiones públicas…todo eso parece haber saltado por los aires debido a la codicia de los especuladores y a los fallos del sistema en controlarlos. Y cuando el sistema entró en crisis, en lugar de pasar la factura a quienes provocaron la crisis, nos encontramos con que se usa el dinero público para rescatarles, se usa nuestro dinero para dárselo a los bancos.

A esto le sumamos la frustración de observar como la clase política se dedica únicamente a intentar ganar las elecciones acusándose unos a otros, sin ofrecer ningún tipo de solución a la ciudadanía, ni de esperanza. Los políticos se han convertido en una casta alejada de las vidas reales de las personas a las que dicen representar. La corrupción está infiltrada en todos los partidos, que se protegen unos a otros en lugar de aprobar leyes que verdaderamente le pusieran coto. La ciudadanía tiene la sensación de que ya no elegimos nada más que nombres o caras, que los que gobiernan el mundo no se sientan en los parlamentos; que la democracia ligada al estado-nación del siglo XX, no sirve para el siglo XXI.

El 15 de mayo, un grupo de jóvenes que se denominan a sí mismos “indignados” convocaron una manifestación bajo el lema “Democracia Real Ya”. Lo que piden es una novedad: regeneración democrática y democracia participativa. Que la democracia vuelva a estar en manos de la ciudadanía, que podamos verdaderamente elegir qué políticas queremos, qué política económica queremos. Y le dicen también al sistema que “no somos mercancía en manos de políticos y banqueros”. Somos ciudadanas y ciudadanos con derechos y queremos vivir mejor. La manifestación convocada por las redes sociales es un éxito y una de las más numerosas de los últimos años. Y a partir de ahí, por sorpresa, el movimiento va creciendo. Lo sorpresivo es que en un sistema en el que los partidos lo controlan todo, este movimiento nace de los jóvenes y sin el apoyo de ningún partido, de ningún sindicato. A estos les coge de sorpresa y no saben cómo reaccionar.

Después de la manifestación del 15 de mayo, los jóvenes acampan en la Puerta del Sol de Madrid, la principal plaza de la ciudad, con sus pancartas y sus lemas. Después de la primera noche las autoridades ordenan el desalojo y lo consiguen. Las televisiones muestran a la policía desalojando de un espacio público a unos jóvenes que oponen resistencia pacífica y que sólo exigen más democracia y el respeto a los derechos conseguidos. La tarde siguiente una marea humana vuelve a la Puerta del Sol por miles, a estos ya no pueden desalojarles. Desde entonces en la Puerta del Sol se ha organizado una asamblea permanente de discusión política en la que se discute de todo, de todo lo que el sistema supuestamente democrático no nos deja discutir. Poco a poco todas las plazas de España se han llenado de gente que discute de política, en las ciudades y en los pueblos. Gente corriente que sabe lo que quiere y que quiere decírselo a aquellos que supuestamente nos representan. Precisamente ese es uno de los lemas más coreados dirigido a los políticos: “No nos representan”.

Nadie sabe cómo acabará esto pero, pase lo que pase, lo que está claro es que nada volverá a ser igual porque lo que hemos demostrado es que si un pueblo se pone en la calle pacíficamente a exigir sus derechos, no hay gobierno que pueda negárselos. Lo que queremos es seer tratados como ciudadanos con derechos y no como mercancía que se usa y se deshecha, lo que queremos es que se respeten los derechos conseguidos y que garantizaban una vida digna: vivienda, trabajo, educación, sanidad, pensiones, sueldos dignos; lo que queremos es que el estado del bienestar europeo, el estado social que tanto costó conseguir, no sea arrasado por el capitalismo feroz; lo que queremos es que no nos roben la vida.

Written for LezGetReal  by Beatriz Gimeno, Guest

(Posted by Melanie Nathan)

This Post is from the Ugandan Sunday Monitor.  Posted by Melanie Nathan, verbatiim! May 22, 2011.

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera

Uganda and the Anti-Homosexuality Bill have become synonymous on the international stage. On either end of the debate at home are its author, MP David Bahati, and one of its most vocal opponents, gay rights activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera. Sunday Monitor’s Philippa Croome caught up with both of them to talk about where the Bill stands now. An abridged version of the interviews:

LGR's Melanie Nathan with Stan Wright and Chely Wright

(San Francisco, CA, May 22, 2011)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) presented its highest honors to five trailblazers in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality at its 34th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in San Francisco.

LezGetReal was there to enjoy the dinner and after party, which turned out to be a huge success.  It seems that NCLR out-does itself each year.  The women were magnificent.  The trailblazers inspiring, speeches lending sousing aplauses and standing ovations.  What a night!

Voice & Visibility Award: First-ever openly LGBT country music star Chely Wright and her father, Stan Wright.
Chely, who attended with her fiance, looked stunning in a simple black evening dress, gave a moving acceptance speech, thanking her father Stan Wright for his support and giving special thanks to NCLR’s  (Prop 8 and more) attorney Shannon Minter, whom she described as a close and good friend.

The Awardees:-

• Founder’s Award: NCLR founder and retired San Francisco Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens.
• Justice Award: Former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe.
• Spirit Award: First-ever openly transgender Division I basketball player Kye Allums.

“I am so honored to be recognized with Chely and Stan and such incredible clients, who are my true role models,” said Judge Hitchens. “Their courage and willingness to stand up for what is right is and always has been the real foundation of this organization. I have been lucky to be a part of it from the beginning, and to see NCLR turn 34 is truly amazing.”

Said Howe: “It’s a privilege to be recognized with this honor from NCLR, which has provided me with a tremendous amount of guidance and support over the last six months. They have literally been at my side, helping me through this process and coaching me through media interviews. One of the most memorable experiences was a conference call I had with them the morning before I gave my first interview. Without saying it directly, the tone of that phone call made me understand how influential I suddenly was, and how many people of all ages in all parts of the country were depending on me to represent the LGBT community. I’m truly grateful for them, as well as my Nashville attorney Abby Rubenfeld. I am honored to get to work with such an amazingly powerful group of people, and to receive this award.”

Added Allums: “I am truly humbled that NCLR honored me with the Spirit Award. The love, and support from my friends and family has made my coming out experience an unforgettable one.”

Additionally, NCLR’s special guests were NCLR clients Desiree “Dez” Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom, out high school lesbians, who successfully challenged their Minnesota school district in January 2011 so they could walk together as part of the royal court of their school’s winter formal. (Pic: Mel with Dez and Sarah)

“Each of our honorees and special guests are our true role models,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “They stood up for their beliefs, not only changing history, but helping positively change the lives of thousands of LGBT people across the country for years to come—making them champions in our movement for equality and justice.”

More than 1,300 people from across the country attended the Anniversary Celebration, NCLR’s signature event that each year celebrates victories in the movement for full LGBT equality, and honors those who have become role models for thousands of people through their unfailing commitment to justice.

Founded in 1977, NCLR is a national legal organization devoted to advancing LGBT justice and equality through litigation, public policy, and public education. Since its start, NCLR—which helps more than 5,000 people each year—has embraced every aspect of the diverse LGBT community through its work, recognizing that the community comes from many different backgrounds and faces a wide range of issues.

About the awards and honorees:

The Voice and Visibility Award: Country Music Star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright

The Voice and Visibility Award honors an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to LGBT people. This year’s award was presented to country music star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright. Chely has shown unwavering courage since coming out in 2010, at the height of her career in Nashville, as the first openly LGBT country music star. She became a role model for others by sharing the painful, inspiring, and moving story of the heartache she suffered by trying to live in the closet, and the despair that finally propelled her to choose between taking her own life or coming out. Chely has used her fame to speak out about the terrible shame, pain, and harm that are inflicted on LGBT people—and especially on LGBT youth—by a culture that still views LGBT people as sinful and immoral. Chely’s father, Stan Wright, has stood by her side through every step of her journey, showing his unconditional love—an example for LGBT children and adults who may fear losing their family’s loving support by living authentically. Chely and Stan continue to stand up and speak out as people of faith, unchanged by the fact that Chely is a lesbian.

Founder’s Award: The Honorable Donna Hitchens

The Founder’s Award acknowledges a person whose life embodies NCLR’s vision and values of equality and justice and who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to activism on behalf of our communities. This year’s award was presented to the Honorable Donna Hitchens, who, known as one of the nation’s most well-respected judges, retired from the San Francisco County Superior Court in November 2010. She has changed the lives of thousands of people through her commitment to justice, not only while serving on the San Francisco County Superior Court bench, but by founding the National Center for Lesbian Rights in 1977, where her vision of fighting for LGBT equality continues to change the nation’s legal landscape.

Justice Award: Former Belmont University Soccer Coach Lisa Howe

The Justice Award honors an individual who has shown the courage and perseverance to fight for justice and sacrificed to make broad social change for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. This year’s award was presented to former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe. Howe stood strong in the face of ignorance and bigotry, becoming a role model for not only her players and students, but this country, by living honestly and loving her family. She has put a face on the continued need to fight employment discrimination in Nashville, Tennessee, where Belmont University is located, and in every corner of this country. Lisa has helped to transform the hearts and minds of her community and colleagues, inspiring them to launch an unprecedented public discussion about the place of openly LGBT people in private Christian colleges and universities, and prompting Belmont to change its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

Kye Allums Photo: Mel Nathan

Spirit Award: George Washington University Basketball Player Kye Allums

The Spirit Award honors an individual whose strength of character embodies and invigorates the spirit of the LGBT community. This year’s award was presented to George Washington University basketball player Kye Allums. Kye is a pioneer in the world of intercollegiate sports. In November 2010, he became the first Division I basketball player to come out as transgender, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and character in living genuinely and unapologetically as a transgender man. Through his simple act of continuing to play the sport he loves as the man he is, he has helped to change the landscape for other athletes.

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Fiji became the first Pacific Island country to mark International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), with a panel discussion held at the University of the South Pacific (USP), on Tuesday May 17, 2011.  Over 180 people filled the room – with a mat needed for the overflow. Many also stood outside the AusAID Performance Space at USP, Laucala Campus for the three hour event. Those who attended included diverse students, academic staff, LGBTIQ, sex worker, feminist and human rights organisations and networks, faith based groups, regional institutions, UN agencies and the wider public.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of USP, Professor Susan Kelly in her welcome address emphasized the need for respecting and celebrating diversity and not just recognizing or tolerating. ‘Equal Rights for Everyone, Whomever they Love’, a video message by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights was then shown, after which three panelists spoke to the 2011 IDAHOT theme ‘Same-sex Couples – A Story of Love’.

Ashwin Raj, a USP academic spoke about bodies as political spaces- as the site of contestation for a number of normative ideologies and practices such as love, sovereignty, internalized homophobia, and self hate. He also spoke of the body as a zone of intersection between race, class, gender and sexuality. Ashwin added that in order to think through the idea of love, one of the themes of IDAHOT, in a politically productive sense rather than a commoditized affect in a global market, one must talk about the return to one self. This, he said, entails the recognition of our bodies as volatile and politically productive spaces and it must begin with love for oneself.

Citizens’ Constitutional Forum CEO and human rights activist, Reverend Akuila Yabaki provided a faith-based perspective keyed into the biblical texts most used as an ideological justification to persecute people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and offering alternative interpretations based on social justice and human rights perspectives. Reverend Yabaki also affirmed the shifting positions of certain churches that have moved progressively over time towards greater inclusivity for people of diverse sexuality.

Feminist and sexuality rights activist, Noelene Nabulivou of DAWN called for increased regional discussions on often-silenced aspects of gender equality and sexuality rights and a move from the politics of tolerance toward that of erotic justice. She said that this requires strong commitment and resources of state and non-state actors. Noelene also highlighted the Yogyakarta Principles, a set of international principles related to sexual orientation and gender identity, as an important global advocacy tool. Copies of the Yogyakarta Principles and Activist Guide were widely distributed at the event, as was a pamphlet entitled

An hour of animated audience discussion touched on several significant issues. The question of Pacific cultural and religious context was raised. Responses questioned monolithic and static ‘Pacific culture’ and the point was made that there is no singular interpretation of Christianity or other faiths, just as there is no single notion of sexuality. The audience affirmed at several points the need for critical examinations of privileged ideas about culture and religion, and acknowledgement of their fluid, changing nature. They also discussed various ways that community education and arts programmes could be successfully used to discuss sexuality rights in urban and rural communities.

The Drodrolagi Movement (droMo) is a social, support and educational network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI), pinapinaaine, fa’afafine, fakaleiti and other identified students and their friends at USP. droMo members and allies organized this event. The panel discussion was organized with the support of the School of Government, Development and International Affairs and the School of Language, Arts and Media of USP and Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN).

The Drodrolagi Movement is yet to be affiliated to the USP Students Association after three recent attempts. Kris Prasad, President of the Drodrolagi Movement said he hopes for a successful outcome from the upcoming USP Senate appeal. He added that droMo is of the conviction that affiliation is only a small part of a much larger struggle for respect, recognition and rights.

*Drodrolagi is the Fijian word for ‘rainbow’.

For further information, please contact Kris Prasad, droMo President at email: Drodrolagi.Movement@gmail.com

The Voice and Visibility Award: Country music star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright

The Voice and Visibility Award honors an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to LGBT people. This year’s award goes to country music star Chely Wright (shown below) and her father Stan Wright. Chely has shown unwavering courage since coming out in 2010, at the height of her career in Nashville, as the first openly LGBT country music star. She became a role model for others by sharing the painful, inspiring, and moving story of the heartache she suffered by trying to live in the closet, and the despair that finally propelled her to choose between taking her own life or coming out.

Chely has used her fame to speak out about the terrible shame, pain, and harm that are inflicted on LGBT people—and especially on LGBT youth—by a culture that still views LGBT people as sinful and immoral.

Chely’s father, Stan Wright, has stood by her side through every step of her journey, showing his unconditional love—an example for LGBT children and adults who may fear losing their family’s loving support by living authentically. Chely and Stan continue to stand up and speak out as people of faith, unchanged by the fact that Chely is a lesbian.

Spirit Award: George Washington University basketball player Kye Allums

The Spirit Award honors an individual whose strength of character embodies and invigorates the spirit of the LGBT community. This year’s award goes to George Washington University basketball player Kye Allums. Kye is a pioneer in the world of intercollegiate sports.

In November 2010, he became the first Division I basketball player to come out as transgender, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and character by living genuinely and unapologetically as a transgender man. Through his simple act of continuing to play the sport he loves as the man he is, he has helped to change the landscape for other athletes.

Justice Award: Former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe

The Justice Award honors an individual who has shown the courage and perseverance to fight for justice and sacrificed to make broad social change for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. This year’s award goes to former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe. Howe stood strong in the face of ignorance and bigotry, becoming a role model for not only her players and students, but this country, by living honestly and loving her family.

She has put a face on the continued need to fight employment discrimination in Nashville, Tennessee, where Belmont University is located, and in every corner of this country. Lisa has helped to transform the hearts and minds of her community and colleagues, inspiring them to launch an unprecedented public discussion about the place of openly LGBT people in private Christian colleges and universities, and prompting Belmont to change its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

Founder’s Award: The Honorable Donna Hitchens

The Founder’s Award acknowledges a person whose life embodies NCLR’s vision and values of equality and justice and who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to activism on behalf of our communities. This year’s award goes to the Honorable Donna Hitchens, who, known as one of the nation’s most well-respected judges, retired from the San Francisco County Superior Court in November 2010. She has changed the lives of thousands of people through her commitment to justice, not only while serving on the San Francisco County Superior Court bench, but by founding the National Center for Lesbian Rights in 1977, where her vision of fighting for LGBT equality continues to change the nation’s legal landscape.

Special guests

NCLR’s special guests at the 2011 Anniversary Celebration will be NCLR clients Desiree “Dez” Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom, out high school lesbians, who successfully challenged their Minnesota school district in January 2011 so they could walk together as part of the royal court of their school’s winter formal.

“Each and every one of these individuals is a hero,” said Kate Kendell, NCLR executive director. “Their willingness and determination to stand up for their beliefs have not only changed history, but will continue to improve the lives of thousands of LGBT people across the country for years to come — making them victors in our movement for equality and justice, and role models for each one of us.”

Looking forward to being there, with Michelle Meow of Swirl Radio.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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About NCLR

Founded in 1977, NCLR is a national legal organization devoted to advancing LGBT justice and equality through litigation, public policy, and public education. Since its start, NCLR — which helps more than 5,000 people each year — has embraced every aspect of the diverse LGBT community through its work, recognizing that the community comes from many different backgrounds and faces a wide range of issues.

The Anniversary Celebration is NCLR’s annual signature event that draws a sell-out crowd. Festivities begin at 8 p.m., with the well-known political humorist Kate Clinton returning for a command performance as emcee. There is a dinner event which p0receeds the dance party.

The presenting sponsor of the Anniversary Celebration is Wells Fargo. Gold sponsors are AAA and American Airlines. LezGetReal is  also a Media Sponsor of this Year’s event.

Melanie Nathan, May 20,2011,
This picture depicts the entry to OutServe Website… read more below.

We have been getting tips that OutServe is counting down to something big!  So I visited the website of OutServe, the non-profit group of  Servicemenbers in the US military ,at the helm of activism for those gay and lesbians now serving, who have yet to come out since the repeal of DADT.  When the site opened, I thought I had been spammed by some gambling enterprise and that the tips were come-on’s.  SO I called JD Smith, the co-founder and Director of OutServe.

“This is not an announcement regarding the repeal of Don’t ask Don’t Tell, but rather about something OutServe is working on.”

Rebecca Kadaga the former Deputy speaker of parliament has been elected the Speaker of the 9^th Ugandan parliament.  Kadaga the NRM candidate secured 302 votes while her competition, FDC’s Nandala Mafabi secured 57 votes and 2 were invalid.  361 MPs participated in the election while 14 missed the election.

Kadaga later took an oath as the Speaker of the 9^th Parliament and was given the instruments of powers.  Among the things given to Kadaga is the constitution and, rules of procedure of Parliament.

Voting was by secret ballot and was presided over by the chief justice Benjamin Odoki. He also went on to administer the swearing in of the speaker.

While the world is not duped, Odoki says that an election has been free and fair but called upon the speaker to be a listening Speaker to all people in the August house.  Perhaps Odoki has yet to be apprised of the kidnappings, torture and intimidation that occurred prior to the election, as well as the pre-filled votes in ballot boxes, before the voting commenced.

Kadaga in her first address to the house promised to be a Speaker of all the members without segregation. She appealed to MPs to undertake diligently their duties since a lot is expected from them.

Kadaga also pledged to continue bridging the gap between parliament and the public. She says that the space in the Parliament building is limited but called upon members to bear with the Parliamentary Commission as they try to accommodate the increased numbers of 375 MPs.

Kadaga is the first woman in Uganda to be elected Speaker of parliament. This makes her the 2^nd woman to be among the top three important Ugandan officials, being that the Speaker is the 3^rd most important person in Uganda’s brass, after the president and Vice President. Specioza Wandera Kazibwe is so far the only woman to serve as Vice President in Uganda.

Kadaga has promised to give more attention to women issues and ensure more equity in parliament and government’s programs.  We will wait to see what happens with the Kill the Gays Bill under this speaker’s leadership.

source: Well Informers.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

This is the second Article in a series of exposing business as usual in Uganda.  While homosexuality is currently criminalized and still held hostage to the enactment of the imminent reprehensible and perilous ‘ Kill the Gays’ or Anti-Homosexuality Bill,
Starwood Hotels & Resorts have for years running received the Human Rights Campaign’s “Best Places to Work” award; receiving consistent 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index: 2006-09.

But does the Human resources department of Starwood Sheraton realize that they are sending their diverse staff into harms way?

So for what it’s worth-  “At Starwood we encourage and value the strengths of our diverse talent base whether that difference is  ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender, size, career background, personality type, those differently-abled — whatever the case may be — diversity fosters innovation, better problem solving and ultimately better business performance. Starwood seeks diverse talent because it is a business imperative; we simply cannot survive and be the successful company we envision ourselves to be without an attentive eye to the diversity of the workplace and global marketplace supported by talent that is also diverse and values the power of inclusion.”

But lo and behold, I am compelled to deliver not such good news; to report that there is indeed a Starwood Hotel, a Sheraton in fact, that cannot legally be diverse and inclusive, whether it comes to ownership, management, staff and even guests.  That would be the one on Ternan Avenue, in Kampala, Uganda.

You see the Kampala Sheraton/Starwood, cannot sustain such promise of diversity when operating in a country that considers those whom Starwood find to be diversely worthy, to be criminals merely because of the characterization of their diversity.

In short- how can Starwood continue to be true to its statement pertaining to diversity, inclusion regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, if they choose to operate in a Country where being LGBTI is considered criminal already and the subject of life in prison and possibly death, if the newly reintroduced Anti- Homosexuality Bill succeeds in this the 9^th Session of Parliament, strengthening the existing law.

Currently the law in Uganda and another 36 African countries criminalizes homosexuality. In Uganda, LGBTI, lesbians and gays in Uganda are being treated as criminals, even at this time, under the existing law that purports to criminalize homosexuality.  It is a law that fails in its definition to include homosexuality, yet in practice it has been applied – and that is the law that criminalizes “acts against nature.” (Homosexuality is already criminalized under the ‘unnatural offenses’ provisions of Section 145 of the Penal Code Act of Uganda Cap 120.)

The hotel is according to Starwood’s website “Ideally located in the heart of Kampala city, ”Sheraton Kampala Hotel welcomes travelers with a relaxed ambiance and a dazzling array of upscale amenities. Just 45 minutes drive from Entebbe International Airport, we are within easy reach of the Central Business District area and shopping malls.”

The Starwood diversity program goes on to claim:- “But you do not work just for a paycheck. At Starwood, we provide our associates with a comprehensive benefits program designed to give you and your family peace of mind. You should not have to worry about things like your health and your future, and we will do whatever we can to help. Although benefits vary from country to country, here are some of the benefits that Starwood may be able to offer to you as an associate:

• …..Comprehensive, competitive health insurance for you and your family……..
• ….Domestic Partner eligibility

That means Starwood accepts Gay, same-sex couples into its fold.  Given the status of homosexuality in Uganda, Starwood must either refuse to  employ Domestic Partners from foreign Jurisdictions for work in Uganda, hence compelled to discriminate, contrary to its assertions of equality, and even worse if the new BILL (AHB of 2009) were to succeed, Starwood management would be complicit in a crime if they failed to report same-sex couples who requested Domestic Partnerships for the purposes of company benefits in Uganda.

This is a tip of he iceberg of the consequences of the blend of Starwood and Uganda.

However the matter is further complicated by the current backlash and potential for even more against gays, lesbians and LGBTI persons in Uganda.  As activist Val Kalende, who was a close friend of the murdered activist David Kato, told the Tuesday meeting at the World Bank Headquarters:

“We don’t want to present ourselves as special people, we don’t want to present LGBT rights as special rights, we want to create a culture where LGBT rights are deeply entrenched in human rights.  And I think that is going to bring about the social change that we need.”  She said that Ugandan LGBT have been facing “a lot of backlash” because of international criticism of the AHB and cautioned that cutting off development aid may make that worse.  “We don’t want our government to come up and start blaming us for the things that have been imposed on them. [On cutting aid] It’s not a question [to which] I can give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, but I think it’s important for us to think about how to create spaces of better dialogue in Uganda.”

While I agree with Val, I must note that change comes with sacrifice and activists always are blamed as is the minority group involved.  However the ultimate question is how to have that dialogue with a culture that is homophobic and where the leadership believes homosexuality is debauched, further fostered by evangelical right wing Church and its money in the Country?  That dialogue may well be impossible in the context.  While cutting AID and trade may bring Uganda to its knees, in the way it did in South Africa during the fight against apartheid, it may create an environment of scape-goating, yet how does one weigh the odds where the scape-goating is happening already at this time, in any event.

Perhaps the only way Uganda will wake up to the world around it, will be when the world around it speaks up and refuses to associate with such unacceptable ideals.

As for our friends at STARWOOD – we will put the pressure on to bring attention to the fact that gay staff and guests are in serious danger, as is management – especially if the law around aiding homosexuality is enacted via the AHB of 2009.

STARWOOD BRANDS:

St Regis
“W”
Element
Sheraton
Four Points
Westin
Meridian
Aloft
The luxury Collection

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/careers/index.html

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

There is much speculation in the Blogger realm, as we speak, as to whether or not the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 – has been reintroduced in the Ugandan Parliament and whether it’s passage is imminent.  Activists have been reporting two different possibilities; Firstly, via Jim Burroway of  Box Turtle Bulletin - who quotes the BBC – stating that the Bill could pass forthwith as a priority and secondly word from  Warren Throckmorton that the Bill has not been reintroduced, at least not as of now, into this new 9th Session of the Ugandan parliament.

I have been working with an unlikely whistleblower (confidential source at this time) in Uganda, with  ‘ear close to the table’ (so to speak) – who informs me today that it is now official that the Bill “will be passed after minor amendments.”

Through our discussions I am informed that there is a lot more to this picture than meets the eye, with regard to the handling as well as the purpose and widespread motivation for the Anti-homosexuality Bill. The Kill the Gays aspect, my source informs, has been a ploy and the plan has more insidious political revelations which have yet to be revealed.

While I have been unable to confirm these allegations, other than to rely on the one source, I would be remiss if I did not publish this at the very least as food for thought!  So at this time this is what I am able to quote from this insider:-

“The plan,masterminded by security brass and top government officials, is to do away with the hanging clause to deflect worldwide criticism. This is the latest development.  MP Bahati has now been given a go ahead to push the bill. Remember the ruling party NRM has majority MPs in Parliament.

The last meeting they convened at State House Entebbe recently opened their eyes to bribery of the regime – they were given shs1.5m each as “transport facilitation to pass the bills NRM is interested in”.  I doubt whether these chaps will thinks twice about the bill – our country is homophobic – it’s just a show of hands and that will mark end of gayism in the country-

You know most activists did not read the bill. When they heard about hanging, they got excited. Little did they know that it was a trap. They focused their attention on “killing” thus neglecting more crucial clauses. Therefore, when the “hanging clause” is kicked out, the activists are stripped naked of any arguments.

Their protest, out of incompetence and poor research, rotated around the issue of “hanging”. Yet, there are tougher punishments with even political dimensions— such as long term sentences in jail.

Notwithystanding the Throckmorton report that – ” Kawesa said the Ninth Parliament was just getting started, and elected Rebbecca Kadagato the post of Speaker, the first woman to hold that position in Uganda’s history. Kawesa said that bills will not be considered during this initial period when committees are being formed and chairs of those committes are appointed. She also confirmed that no motion to re-introduce or continue bills had been made.” – I am convinced that what my source reveals may not be precluded by the Speaker’s statement -  in the sense that Bahati has been given a green light to promote and push for the Bill to take some path to enactment – however soon that may be.

The Whistleblower’s sources have suggested that only a telephone call from US President Barrack Obama to Museveni will stop the process. The bill is more than a bill. It’s a matter planned by the intelligence community but with a political face.”

I encourage the NGO’s such as HRW and US State department, UK Home Office to urge investigations by the Ugandan Government into these allegations of Bribery, to include outside conveners and international neutral parties.

Also see http://madikazemi.blogspot.com/2011/05/uganda-kill-gays-bill-is-back-report.html

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

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READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The San Francisco Giants have just committed to becoming the first team in professional sports to produce an “It Gets Better” video against anti-gay bullying, opening up a broader conversation in America about homophobia in the sports world and in our society. The hope is that this will lead to a much wider conversation and rid the sports world of the so too oft “you so gay…. sissy…” stuff!

The Giants will join President Obama, corporations like Google and Apple, and more than 10,000 people who have uploaded poignant and powerful videos supporting kids struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity. This, coming from a sports team of such visibility is a bold and inspiring statement.

As pugnacious as it may seem to some, especially those who flail in States between the two Coasts, the mere fact of this may compel and influence others toward similar stance, whether as overt as our heroes the GIANTS or perhaps somewhat more remotely behind the scenes.

Inspired by the It Gets Better Project and heartsick about recent homophobic incidents in sports, Giants fan Sean Chapin decided to start a petition on Change.org reaching out to his favorite team. More than 6,000 Giants fans signed on in support of Sean’s petition, including four San Francisco mayoral candidates.

The San Francisco Giants are now taking a courageous stand on behalf of gay kids, and those perceived to be gay, perhaps changing sports forever. Click here to join Sean Chapin in thanking the Giants for their amazing leadership. (Change.org)

This fantastic news comes in the aftermath of incidents involving basketball star Kobe Bryant and Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, who was suspended for calling a group of Giants fans a “homo couple” and making lewd gestures before a recent game in San Francisco.

“With role models like Bryant and McDowell, it’s no wonder homophobia is rampant in sports, from high school to the pros — and it’s no wonder that there are zero openly gay men in the four major American sports leagues.”

By taking a stand against anti-gay bullying, the Giants are striking a big blow to homophobia — and giving a big boost to gay youth across America, especially kids who seek to one day play professional sports.

Please add your name to join Sean Chapin in thanking the Giants and letting them know how much you appreciate their courage:

http://www.change.org/petitions/thank-the-san-francisco-giants-for-making-an-it-gets-better-anti-homophobia-video

Thanks for joining thousands of fans across America who support equality. Together, we’ll make sure the sports world is no longer a home for homophobia.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

“I am grateful that my Assembly colleagues on both sides of the aisle joined me today in support of AB 887, the Gender Nondiscrimination Act,” said Assemblymember Atkins. “I am inspired by the devoted work of supporters of this bill – the many youth, transgender advocates, and others who have made their voices heard – and I will continue fighting for this important legislation to become law.”

AB 887 takes existing protections based on gender identity and expression and enumerates them as protected categories in non-discrimination laws. In addition, while California non-discrimination laws already define “gender” to include a person’s gender identity and gender expression, the bill clarifies that gender identity and expression are included in the definition of gender and sex in all California codes.

“The rights of all hardworking Californians, including transgender people, must be protected by our state’s laws,” said Equality California Interim Executive Director Jim Carroll. “The Gender Nondiscrimination Act will reduce the harms caused by discrimination by inserting language into state law that is direct and easily understood. We thank Assemblymember Atkins and allied Assemblymembers for championing this bill. We now ask the State Senate to join in support of this critical piece of legislation.”

In 2009, the Transgender Law Center released its “State of Transgender California” report. The report revealed overwhelmingly that Californians who experience discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression at work or elsewhere often times do not file complaints because they are unaware that they are protected as a result of confusing non-discrimination laws.

“Transgender people and others who don’t fit into narrow gender stereotypes are discriminated against and suffer at school, on the job, and under the law,” said Masen Davis, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center. “We applaud Assemblymember Atkins and the California Assembly for passing AB 887 to protect students at school and employees at work.”

More than 100 cities across America and hundreds of employers already provide clear non-discrimination protections based on gender identity and gender expression. Cities that list them as separate protected categories in non-discrimination ordinances include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Oakland and West Hollywood.

The bill will now move to the State Senate.

Assemblymember Toni Atkins was elected in November 2010 and represents the 76th Assembly District, which includes the central and northern San Diego communities of Clairemont, Bay Park, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Tierrasanta, Serra Mesa, Hillcrest, University Heights, North Park, South Park, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, City Heights, Old Town, Normal Heights, Mission Hills and Downtown San Diego.

The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. TLC uses direct legal services, education, community organizing and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed more than 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. www.eqca.org

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Warren Throckmorten is one of the most astute of all media when it comes to Uganda.  He is a Professor and diligently investigates, sources and applies analysis to all that he writes about Uganda and the anti-homosexuality Bill.  He does not simply report fact based on what supporters of the Kill-the-Gays bill have to say.   For this, as a blogger and activist, I am eternally grateful as should the LGBTI  Ugandan and international community.

Throckmorten correctly warns: “Reporters should carefully review  this committee report before taking statements from bill supporters at face value.”

Last week, one of the claims made by supporters of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was that the death penalty had been removed. Some media picked up this claim and reported it without critical analysis. In fact, the bill never made it far enough to have any alterations, and, as noted here (FIRST PDF BELOW), the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee report did not, in fact, suggest the removal of the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality.

A paper designated as the final report of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee was leaked last Thursday, just ahead of Friday’s final session. I have good reasons to believe that the report did come from the committee although I cannot say for certain that the report would have been presented on the floor of the Parliament had the bill gotten that far. You can read the report, converted to a .pdf, by clicking here. (See below)

To help see what a revised bill would have looked like, I compared the original Anti-Homosexuality Bill with the report. This version makes the changes called for in the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee report (SECOND PDF BELOW). In this version the sections crossed out were in the original bill and those underlined are the ones suggested by the committee.

Even after the changes, the penalty for private, consensual  same-sex intimacy would still be life in jail and the death penalty would remain since it is the penalty provided for aggravated defilement in Uganda. Clauses 4, 7, 8, 14, 16 & 17 were deleted but a new penalty for participating in the marriage of a same-sex couples. Presumably, this would discourage ministers from performing the ceremonies. Even if the bill had been amended in the manner suggested by the committee, the bill would have defined homosexual behavior in a way that criminalized the most modest forms of intimacy with either life in prison or death for HIV positive individuals.

The Bill is still on the wire. David Bahati, its author, is determined to to have it pass.   While Bahati told me he would “consider” taking the death penalty out, after reading Throckmorten’s work and after doing my own ‘lawerly’ assessment, it is a very dicey and slippery slope – because in truth with or without vigilance, the Bill could succeed at any time.

However, Let us not lose sight of the elephant in the room – the fact that LGBTI, lesbians and gays in Uganda are being treated as criminals, even at this time, under the existing law that purports to criminalize homosexuality.  It is a law that fails in its definition to include homosexuality, yet in practice it has been applied – and that is the law that criminalizes “acts against nature.” ( Homosexuality is already criminalized under the ‘unnatural offenses’ provisions of Section 145 of the Penal Code Act of Uganda Cap 120.)

As a community of activists, I believe it is time to keep the heat on Uganda, for its general treatment and attitude towards homosexuality and the LGBTI community in Uganda. We must enter into dialogue and help separate the connection between pedophiles and the mythical “recruiters” from the fact that being gay or lesbians is a normal sexual orientation and harmless to the community when conducted in relationship and  privacy, at the very least.

2011 Uganda Committee Report

MARKED UP VERSION-

2011 02 the Anti Homosexuality Bill Amended2
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all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

MAY 07, 2011 Broadcast

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The New Ugandan Parliament is preparing to seat – and guess what David Bahati, the author of Kills the gays bill is on the shortlist for a post in the Ethics department -It seems clear that notwithstanding the international outcry against the anti-homosexuality bill, which was not put to the Vote in the recently prorogued Ugandan 8th Session, may well be headed for an easier ride this 9th Session.

Warren:Throckmorten says: “So the man who brought Uganda the Anti-Homosexuality Bill might move from the back bench to the front bench? ” The question then is will the Anti-homosexuality Bill move forward quicker than it might otherwise have done.   We know for sure that the position definitely rewards Bahati with a significant promotion. I can only wonder if this promise by Museveni factored into a deal in the last session.

It would seem that this promotion to Ethics Ministers would absolve  Bahati’s initiatives from going through the ‘private member’s process’. He would not need to get permission from Parliament if he wanted to get the BILL onto the Floor in the next session, after he reintroduces it, which I understand is his plan.  According to Throckmorten who has studied the Ugandan procedure, ” However, the upside is that he perhaps would need government support for any bills and at the end of the last session, the government went on record as opposing the AHB as written. It is hard to see an appointment to the Ethics post as anything but an encouragement of Bahati’s efforts.”

Ugandan President Museveni’s shortlist for cabinet
Vice-President: Gilbert Bukenya or Edward Ssekandi or Margaret Atengo.
Prime Minister: Apolo Nsibambi or Aggrey Awori or Amelia Kyambadde.
1st Deputy Premier/EA Affairs: Eriya Kategaya (he could also stay on as minister for East Africa Affairs only.
2nd Deputy Premier/Minister Without Portfolio: Amama Mbabazi.
Third Deputy Prime Minister/Tourism: Moses Ali.
Oil & Petroleum: Amelia Kyambadde.
Energy: Irene Muloni.
Foreign Affairs: Ruhakana Rugunda.
Security: Betty Bigombe. Teso Affairs: Grace Akello.
Internal Affairs: Kahinda Otafiire.
Kampala:Beatrice Wabudeya.
Ethics: David Bahati.

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan, May 16, 2011

The Washington Post Opinion has published a post about PAUL WILSON DORMAN, a citizen of the United Kingdom, who came to the United States on a visitor’s visa in 1996 and never left. He met an American man who became his partner of 15 years. They have jointly purchased property and made out wills with the other as beneficiary. In 2009 they entered into a civil union in New Jersey.

During a time of increasing visibility exposing the plight of  the American same-sex partner  who cannot  petition for a foreign spouse, domestic or civil union partner, for a green card and lawful residence to the USA, we are seeing changes in process and challenges to the law that must ultimately pave the way for equality in the USA for binational gay and lesbian couples.

Mr. Dorman was targeted for deportation after a chance encounter with an immigration agent at an airport. Mr. Dorman, 52, does not dispute that he has been in the country illegally but argues that he should be allowed to stay because of his relationship with his partner.  However because of the Defense of Marriage Act – he cannot be sponsored for a green card, ultimately leading to citizenship, in parity with heterosexual counterparts.

Additionally WAPO notes:- The law allows foreign nationals to fend off deportation by proving they have been in the country continuously for at least 10 years; substantiating a relationship with a “qualifying relative”; and showing that deportation would inflict an “extraordinary and extremely unusual hardship.” Two immigration courts concluded that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) precludes recognition of his same-sex partner as a spouse.

DOMA has been an impediment to the rights of gay men and lesbians since its inception in 1996. It withholds from same-sex couples the legal protections, obligations and privileges enjoyed by their heterosexual counterparts. Repeal appears out of reach, but Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. announced in February that the Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA in court, after concluding that it is unconstitutional.

The attorney general has vacated the court decision and asked the Board of Immigration Appeals whether Mr. Dorman’s civil union makes him a “spouse” under New Jersey law and whether, absent DOMA, he would be considered a “spouse” under immigration law.

source http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dont-penalize-undocumented-gay-immigrants-in-civil-unions-with-us-citizens/2011/05/10/AF7FbQ4G_story.html

ALSO SEE PREVIOUS ARTICLE ON

Attorney General Eric Holder Vacates Deportation Order For BIA review of DOMA -

lezGetReal  http://lezgetreal.com/2011/05/attonrey-general-eric-holder-vacates-henrys-deportation-order/

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve California’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and to build upon Equality California’s tremendous success,” said Palencia, who currently serves as the Community Benefits Director for L.A. Care Health Plan, a $1.2 billion public health plan. “I am committed to creating a better future for all LGBT Californians and to connecting the LGBT movement to the broader movement for socio-economic justice. Although permanently ending discrimination against LGBT people can be a daunting task, I am confident that together we will prevail. I look forward to getting to know and working with our dedicated membership, legislators and coalition partners as we strive to further Equality California’s mission to achieve full equality for all LGBT Californians.”

With more than two decades of activism and expertise with LGBT and healthcare issues, Palencia has long worked to provide resources to underserved communities, including LGBT communities, undocumented immigrants and the uninsured. From 1992 to 1998, Palencia was the Chief of Operations and Vice President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, an international HIV/AIDS healthcare organization where he played a key role in building the much needed medical infrastructure and financial resources to support HIV/AIDS services. Subsequently, he served as the Executive Director at Clinica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero, which primarily serves Central American and Mexican immigrants. In 2003, Palencia was appointed as the Greater Los Angeles Area Regional Director for the California Endowment, a private foundation that annually grants more than $170 million to California-based entities in the area of health. Palencia directed a multi-county department and funded dozens of community-based organizations per year.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled that Roland will lead the next chapter of Equality California,” said Board Chairs Cathy Schwamberger and Clarissa Filgioun. “Roland is an inspiring leader who has done groundbreaking work for the LGBT community and beyond. His impressive track record of advancing equality and justice makes him a perfect fit for the organization.”

Palencia was forced to leave his native Guatemala, which was ruled in the mid-1970s by a brutal military regime, after paramilitary forces assassinated his father, a small business owner and a revolutionary who fought for democratic change in Guatemala. Palencia came to California and attended UCLA where he earned a degree in history.

“I don’t take our rights and progress for granted, as heroes like my father, Martin Luther King and Harvey Milk have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in a more just world,” Palencia said.

Reacting to the announcement that Palencia will head Equality California, Dolores Huerta, Equality California board member, said “Roland is an outstanding leader whose ability to build bridges with many communities will help take Equality California to the next level, enabling the organization to bring our message of equality to an even greater audience.”

Palencia is a co-founder of pioneering community-based organization, Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU), the first major Latino LGBT advocacy group, which later led to the establishment of Bienestar Human Services, serving the Latino community with 11 locations. He is currently an Advisory Board Member of HONOR PAC, an LGBT Latino Political Action Committee that supported and led efforts in East Los Angeles to fight Proposition 8.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Palencia to Los Angeles County’s Quality and Productivity Commission, and L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina appointed him to the Los Angeles County Hospitals and Healthcare Delivery Commission. He also held an advisory role to the multi-billion dollar Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

Palencia has received several awards recognizing his outstanding record of service to the community, including the Community Service Award given by former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn; Outstanding Contributions to the Community Award, given by Gil Cedillo, State Assemblymember and former Chair of the California State Senate Committee on Health Access; Local Hero by Union Bank of California and KCET and the Solidarity Award, presented by the Korean Immigrant Workers Advocates.

Palencia was selected by Equality California and Equality California Institute’s Board of Directors after an extensive, national search conducted by executive search firm Morris & Berger.

Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed more than 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment.

www.eqca.org

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

After Apartheid ended, people have begun to use the rallying cry 'Amandla' to express their grievances against current government policies including those of the ANC. The Trade Unions still use it during their mass meetings and protests.

Use of the term has also become back into popularity during recent service deliver protests and among poor people's movements. South Africa's independent social movements such as Abahlali baseMjondolo, the Anti-Eviction Campaign and the Mandela Park Backyarders use "Amandla Ngawethu!" during their anti-government and anti-political party protests.^[4][5][6] The chant is often used by the movements as a way of beginning or ending a speech as well as quieting down a crowd when a speaker has something important to say.

This weekend a group of protestors rallied outside the South African Parliament in the legislative capital, Cape Town. A recent spate of rapes and murders against young lesbians, have presented as the yet to be legislated hate crime of so called “corrective rape.”  The empowered group of activists are concerned that while the DOJ has promised reforms, and even established a Task Force,  the government has still a long way to go to protect its citizens from harm and hate, rendering homophobia alive and well and deeply embedded in the townships.

I am proud of the protestors in this video, consisting of close friends, Zanele Muholi, Gareth Dallas, Henry Bantjez and Ndumie Funda, as at last they have grasped the extent of their entitlement, with South Africa being the only country on the continent that embraces “equality” for all, via its inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In the context of a predominantly homophobic Africa – a continent that tops weight in favor of criminalizing homosexuality, South Africa, has an awesome constitution.   One of the few globally that specifically asserts equality with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.  However it falls dramatically short in “walking the talk!” The South African activists are now learning to claim their Constitution – hence Protests must and will increase, notwithstanding action on the part of the Government. The heat must turn to high!

After two years of advocacy and stepped up campaigns – drawing visibility to the issue of the corrective rape, often resulting in murder of lesbians in the Townships of South Africa, the ANC government and Department of Justice under Minister Jeff Radebe, heard the activists – most especially the voice of grassroots via the torch bearing Ndumie Fund of Luleki Sizwe.

A Task force is nigh. But our sister are being raped and murdered as we speak.

Read more and see more photos….

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

San Francisco – On Saturday night, GLAAD honored the media’s most outstanding representations of the LGBT community at the GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco. Kim Cattrall received the Golden Gate Award in recognition of her vocal support for the LGBT community. Watch Kim’s acceptance speech below.

Additionally, tech writer Kara Swisher was honored with the Local Hero Award in recognition of her work to raise awareness about LGBT lives and issues, and AT&T was honored with the Corporate Leader Award in recognition of its long-standing and public commitment to LGBT employees and consumers.

Other winners included Focus Features’ “The Kids Are All Right” (accepted by writer/director Lisa Cholodenko), “8: The Mormon Proposition” (accepted by Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black) and Spanish-language recording artist Christian Chávez.

Previous events were held in Los Angeles and New York, where GLAAD honored Ricky Martin, Kristin Chenoweth, Russell Simmons, Robert Greenblatt, “30 Rock,” “Glee,” “Modern Family” and “True Blood” among others.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.  GLAAD Media Award nominees were published, released or broadcast between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010

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By Melanie Nathan
http://lezgetreal.com/
author/melnathan/

E-MAIL: nathan@privatecourts.com
FACEBOOK Facebook Melanie
TWITTER : twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

After two years of advocacy and stepped up campaigns – drawing visibility to the issue of the corrective rape, oft resulting in murder, of lesbians in the Townships of South Africa, the ANC government and Department of Justice under Minister Jeff Radebe, heard the activists – most especially the voice of grassroots via the torch bearing Ndumie Fund of Luleki Sizwe.

Ndumie Funda and Mel Nathan Prepare for meeting with Minister of Justice Photo: by Henry Bantjez

In March of this year I had the great honor to work with Ndumie to present draft reforms and the idea of a commission to Mr. Tlali Tlali, of the DOJ in Cape Town’s Parliament. The meeting was a success – DOJ and NPA were going to provide a commission to work for reform.

The Government will help was the message and Ndumie and I stressed at that meeting the importance of rapid attention.  I remember saying in that meeting that as we were sitting there a young lesbian was being brutally raped somewhere in some Township in SA.

What followed before the second meeting was held,  a spate of horrific rapes and murders – showing that the crime is escalating in what activist Gareth Dallas has termed a ‘ravaging environment of escalating homophobia.”

While the Government is poised, after the second meeting, which took place this month, to gear up for the Task Group on Hate crimes,  I fear that other agendas of groups in the South African LGBT community and women’s  rights community, have crept into the picture, derogating from the purity – if you will- of the particular issue of CORRECTIVE RAPE AGAINST LESBIANS – as deserving of a task force of its own .

You may ask why?  Because it is such a particular crime of hate – not peculiar only to Townships and South Africa – yet endemic in that area – and hence earn must earn its own place and treatment.  There are reforms that we have asked for that are very particular to the issue of rape of lesbians and the motivations and they extend far and wide covering awareness, changing hearts and minds, cultural deflection, education, treatment of rape victims, witness protection, government assistance to victims and families, Police sensitivity training, harsher penalties, severe bail restrictions – all of which were first presented here on lezGetReal in a public letter to Minister Radebe over a year ago.

Now with the success of the Campaign against corrective rape – having come this far I implore the South African activist Community to take cognizance of NOT allowing the hijacking of the issue by groups and organizations which have already and will bring in other issues – which will only serve to sidetrack the reason we got this far in the first place.

SA Leathermen Turn out to Support Lesbian Sisters Holding Gay Flag of South Africa

The best way to help our lesbian sisters – (and to this end I must say a core group of Gay Men in Cape Town have come out swinging the bat to do so – providing support, love, protests such as the one featured here -personal money and transport to help get victims to protests and much more endearing friendship in cause – )  is to keep the focus on this first panel of the hate crimes tapestry – where after panels can be added and will be organically included via definitions and draft in the legislation that will result.

I am asking for all groups to back off from throwing too much into the mix at this early stage and focusing on what can be achieved and the rest will follow.  But when you add to much at the outset, you wrangle and you fight and you lose.

I am happy that this protest took place because it keeps feet to flame – and so be it.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR WORK ON CORRECTIVE RAPE IN SOUTH AFRICA http://lezgetreal.com/?s=corrective+rape

PLEASE- DONATE MONEY TO LULEKI SIZWE

DONATE TO LULEKI SIZWE

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Protest Pictures: thanks to Jaco Neiman Dallas and Gareth Dallas:

Core Group of SA GAY Men helping Lesbian Sisters

This week's Protest outside SA Parliament, Cape Town.

Gay Brothers Support of Lesbians at Protest

Protest with Magnificant Table Mountain's Approval

Protesting Corrective Rape / Photo: Gareth Dallas

Mel & Supporters of Lesbian Fight Against Corerctive Rape at CT Pride

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Strauss-Kahn, a 62-year-old Socialist who starred as finance minister in the late 1990s, left for Washington in late 2007 to head the International Monetary Fund, just as the world’s worst economic downturn since World War II hit. The polls show Strauss-Kahn, who has yet to officially declare, trouncing Sarkozy and also leading all other potential challengers in what many in his home country expected

A controversial figure – his reputation as a “ladies’ man” has for many, and above all his enemies, been as big as his reputation as a politician with vast international experience in addition to 25 years of front- and back-room party politics in France.

He was investigated by the IMF in 2008 over possible abuse of power involving a brief affair with an IMF economist. The probe cleared him of abuse of power and he apologized publicly for “a serious error of judgment.”

News of his arrest at New York’s JFK airport could hardly have come at a more critical moment according to the Reuters report referenced below.

France’s Socialist Party, the main opposition party, holds a “primary” contest to pick a runner for the presidential race and candidates have to register soon. Strauss-Kahn was widely expected to declare his intentions by late June at the latest.

Strauss-Kahn lost a similar primary selection test in 2006 to Segolene Royal in a disappointing performance that prompted the U.S. ambassador at the time to say Strauss-Kahn lacked the “fire in the belly” it takes to wage a presidential campaign.

Sarkozy, who won the ensuing 2007 presidential election and is expected to try for a second term, has little in common with the suave, multilingual Strauss-Kahn, whose golden childhood in a secular and liberal Jewish household in Morocco and Monaco explains a lot of his character.

One point the two men do share in common is that they have both married three times, for the first time in Strauss-Kahn’s case to a high-school sweetheart at the age of 18.

To some Frenchmen of an older generation, Strauss-Kahn’s third and current wife, Anne Sinclair, is arguably more of a celebrity than he is, despite having long swapped her job as the most-watched interviewer of French current affairs TV for the role of loyal spouse, and part-time blogger.

French voters are notoriously tolerant of their leader’s sex lives and the French media tends to avoid the issue as a matter of principle. A child Mitterrand fathered outside of his marriage was unknown to most people until she turned up at his funeral.

Far from French shores, Strauss-Kahn, the globe-trotting IMF boss, has carefully nurtured his left-wing credentials and built up a contact book that would put many a statesman to shame. He has also found plenty of time to visit his home country as well as a house in Marrakesh where his family and friends regularly reunite. Read more  source http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/15/us-france-strausskahn-idUSTRE74E0HS20110515

Svonkin is a strong ally and champion for the LGBT community. Gutierrez is an ardent supporter of Prop 8, and last year she worked to defeat the Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth bill (SB 543), authored by Sen. Leno (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California. The bill, now law, enables youth to receive counseling without parental consent, which is vital for LGBT youth who are grappling with coming out.

“There are few elected officials that are more supportive of full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians than Scott Svonkin,” said Councilman Paul Koretz. “On the other hand, there are few candidates who are more supportive of anti-LGBT measures, including Prop 8 than Linda Gutierrez. We have rarely had such a clear choice between candidates and in a low turn-out election.”

Svonkin currently sits on the San Gabriel Unified School District Governing Board and is Senior Advisor to Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. He was instrumental in working with Baca to publicly oppose Prop 8 and other anti-LGBT initiatives. Svonkin also serves as Vice President of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association and Vice Chairman of the California Credit Union, an educational cooperative.

Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed more than 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. www.eqca.org

Uganda’s New Vision Newspaper tweeted a photo of opposition leaders covered in the paint.

One can only wonder if this was the Museveni Regime’s way of painting the opposition ‘GAY ‘ – pink being a color associated with the LGBTI movement across the World.  The reasoning could be an attempt to paint a picture – without words – that the opposition to Museveni does not support the anti-homosexuality Bill, (opposition is against criminalization of homosexuality.) The significance was that  the day the spraying took place was the very same day that the US State Department  issued a statement condemning the anti-homosexuality Bill that had just made its way out of committee and onto the Uganda parliament’s agenda.

The Uganda controlling Party and Museveni, Bahati, et al,  believe that the vast majority of Ugandan people are FOR the criminalization of homosexuality and so associating the opposition with gay in this fashion could well serve as a visual reminder to “love thy dictator!”

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

(San Francisco, CA, May 13, 2011)—A coalition of groups that advocate for the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people today filed a brief urging the U.S. District Court not to vacate last year’s historic ruling invalidating Proposition 8. Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the ACLU of Northern California and Equality California filed the friend-of-the-court brief in Perry v. Brown in response to a motion filed last month by supporters of Proposition 8 that asked the court to undo last year’s decision in that case. The Prop 8 supporters contend that now-retired Chief Judge Vaughn Walker should have declined to hear the case because he was in a long-term relationship with another man, and that the judge’s 135-page decision, which followed a three-week trial, should be invalidated for that reason.

The brief filed by the groups argues that the Prop 8 supporters’ motion closely parallels long-discredited historical attempts to disqualify judges based on their race, sex or religion. The groups contend that the Prop 8 supporters’ argument boils down to the notion that essentially no gay, lesbian or bisexual judge could impartially preside over a case involving the rights of same-sex couples – an offensive suggestion that has been consistently rejected by the courts in similar cases involving race and sex discrimination.

“The suggestion that a judge’s sexual orientation prevents him from doing his job is deeply offensive,” said National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal Director Shannon Minter. “The same type of identity-based arguments were used to attack judges based on their race, gender, and religion in the past. Those arguments have been soundly rejected as offensive and insupportable in past cases, and they should be rejected here as well. Generalizations based on personal characteristics have no place in our system of justice.”

Said Jon Davidson, Legal Director of Lambda Legal: “This stinks of desperation on the part of Prop 8 supporters. Everyone has constitutional rights, so cases that raise constitutional issues routinely affect the public at large, including judges. But that’s no basis for recusal, here or in any case. A female judge has no duty to recuse herself from hearing a case involving women’s right to vote, even if she wanted to vote. It would be absurd if, in order to rule on discrimination claims, judges would need to practice discrimination themselves. And the notion that being in a same-sex relationship renders a judge unable to interpret the law and uphold the sworn duty to rule impartially is insulting to both judges and America’s system of justice.”

“Prop 8 supporters are resorting to desperate tactics because they presented no concrete evidence that denying same-sex couples the fundamental freedom to marry serves any legitimate purpose other than to prevent an entire group of people from enjoying equality and security,” said Jim Carroll, Equality California Interim Executive Director. “We are confident that backers of Prop 8 will fail at their laughable efforts to discredit Judge Walker and to divert attention away from their flimsy case built on fear, ignorance and prejudice.”

“The Prop 8 supporters say that their motion is not based on Judge Walker’s sexual orientation, but instead on the fact that he’s been in a long-term relationship with another man. This is a distinction without a difference,” explained Elizabeth Gill, Staff Attorney, LGBT & AIDS Project, ACLU of Northern California, “If sexual orientation isn’t a basis for recusal, then neither is a relationship with a person of the same sex.”

Chief Judge James Ware will hear the motion on June 13th, along with Proponents’ motion requesting the return of certain trial recordings and Plaintiffs’ motion requesting that all the trial recordings be made public.

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRrights.org

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. www.LambdaLegal.org

The ACLU of Northern California fights discrimination and moves public opinion on LGBT rights through the courts, legislatures and public education. www.ACLUNC.org

Equality California is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed more than 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. www.EQCA.org

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LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The badly bruised body of Nqobile Khumalo, who was reported  missing by her parents on May 03,  was found buried in a shallow grave,.  Police were led to the grave by her ex-boyfriend who confessed to her murder., after being interrogated by police.  He allegedly confessed to killing her, apparently because he could not accept that she was in love with a woman and would not take him back.

The victim was beaten, raped and choked to death. LEXIT , a local group reported to mamba On Line that “her body was covered in bruises and her eyes had popped out of the sockets”.

The suspect is in police custody. Khumalo will be buried by her family on Thursday.

The murder is another in a seemingly endless epidemic of horrific attacks against lesbian women in South Africa, with at least five cases currently in the courts across the country.

To add to years of rape and murders, more recently the crime seems on the rise as last week, a 13-year-old teen was raped in Pretoria, while the week before 24 year old lesbian activist Noxola Nogwaza was raped and brutally murdered in Kwa-Thema township, outside of Johannesburg.

The south African  government recently announced that a task team will be set up to look at the issue of hate crimes against LGBT people, in particular the ‘corrective rape’ of lesbians.

Deep Sympathy to the Family.  South African LGBTI Activist Gareth Dallas, Cape Town Pride Organizer informed LGR from South Africa that activists  are arranging protests around the Country.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Recently when speaking to its author MP David Bahati, he told me that he would consider taking it out of the Bill- then the Bill amidst much speculation went through the committee hearings this past week. Now the Bill is on the agenda for a vote in a few hours (Ugandan time.)

We have been told that the Kill part has been removed.  Nonetheless as reported in my earlier post today, the US State Department stated that even without the death penalty, the bill is “odorous.”  yes, it stinks any way you look at it.

In any event now, thanks to our friend, Professor Warren Throckmorten, we are able to provide an analysis  that indicates we may be have been duped – that in fact if this is the present form of the BILL and the new language therein is what will be up for the vote in a few hours, in fact the death penalty has not been removed, but rather surreptitiously included…read on… from Warren:-

Earlier today, I received a report from a source in Uganda which appears to be the report from the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee on the AHB. I did not write about it because I could not confirm that the report was indeed a final report from that committee. Given the time in Kampala, I won’t be able to confirm it until tomorrow. However, if the report is the committee’s final report then the death penalty may not be off the table. Let me add that the report looks like other committee reports I have seen and matches up with what I have heard it contains with the exception of the claims about the death penalty.

For now, I am going to focus on section three of the report which is where the death penalty can be found. Here is section 3 from the bill:

3. Aggravated homosexuality.

(1) A person commits the offense of aggravated homosexuality where the

(a) person against whom the offence is committed is below the age of 18 years;

(b) offender is a person living with HIV;

(c) offender is a parent or guardian of the person against whom the offence is committed;

(d) offender is a person in authority over the person against whom the offence is committed;

(e) victim of the offence is a person with disability;

(f) offender is a serial offender, or

(g) offender applies, administers or causes to be used by any man or woman any drug, matter or thing with intent to stupefy overpower him or her so as to there by enable any person to have unlawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex,

(2) A person who commits the offence of aggravated homosexuality shall be liable on conviction to suffer death.

(3) Where a person is charged with the offence under this section, that person shall undergo a medical examination to ascertain his or her HIV status.

Note especially #2 above and then read the recommendation for section three in the committee report:

1.   Clause 3 (2) is amended by substituting for the words “…suffer death’’ with words “…the penalty provided for aggravated defilement under Section 129 of the Penal Code Act”.

The justification for this change is given as follows:

Justification
To harmonise the provision with the penalty under the Penal Code Act

Now at issue is “the penalty provided for aggravated defilement under Section 129 of the Penal Code Act.” What is it? Here is Section 129 of the Penal Code Act. Read this and find the penalty:

Defilement of persons under eighteen years of age

129. (1) Any person who performs a sexual act with another person who is below the age of eighteen years, commits a felony known as defilement and is on conviction liable to life imprisonment.

(2) Any person who attempts to perform a sexual act with another person who is below the age of eighteen years commits an offence and is on conviction, liable to imprisonment not exceeding eighteen years.

(3) Any person who attempts to perform a sexual act with another person who is below the age of eighteen years in any of the circumstances specified in subsection (4) commits a felony called aggravated defilement and is, on conviction by the High Court, liable to suffer death.

(4) The circumstances referred to in subsection (3) are as follows—

(a) where the person against whom the offence is committed is below the age of fourteen years;

(b) where the offender to his or her knowledge, is infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS);

(c) where the offender is a parent or guardian of or a person in authority over, the person against whom the offence is committed; or

(d) where the offender is a serial offender.

(5) Any person who attempts to perform a sexual act with another person below the age of eighteen years in any of the circumstances specified in subsection (4), commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to imprisonment for life.

(6) In this section unless the context otherwise requires—

“serial offender” means a person who has a previous conviction for the offence of defilement or aggravated defilement;

“sexual act” means penetration of the vagina, mouth, or anus, however slight, of any person by a sexual organ or the use of any object or organ by a person on another person’s sexual organ

“sexual organ” includes a vagina or penis.

Note that the penalty for “aggravated defilement” (underlined in bold above) is death. Now note that the AHB only refers to the penalty for aggravated defilement and not any of the offenses. The recommendation does not seem to be a substitution of defilement laws (which by the way covers both boys and girls), but rather is simply another way of wording the death penalty.

Those who are saying the death penalty has been removed have some explaining to do. No one should accept those claims after reviewing this report.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/warren-throckmorton-phd/whats-next-for-ugandas-an_b_861282.html

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/05/ugandan-president-cannot-veto-the-anti-homosexuality-bill/

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LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Although the “kill” has been removed to create an amended version, the bill is still heinous in all its components,  not only in the impact on the life of Ugandans on many different levels, but also in the harsh sentences that will be handed down to peole who are simply living their truth and their natural born sexual orientation.

There is evidence to show that the Bill as authored by David Bahati – with or without the Death penalty (now removed) has far more sinister intentions – it is intended as a way to start ridding Uganda of its NGO’s the non profit civil societies that help victims of homophobia, and others who are present to expose all human rights infractions.

Human Rights Watch, for example,  provided a tacit criticism and evidence to the Museveni administration’ of lethal force and other oppressive indications including  kidnap and  torture of his opposition, by calling for investigations to include independent nuetral investigators fro abroad.  This Bill would provide the perfect shelter for the Museveni government who would rather certain watchdog and critical NGO’s disappeared off the face of the continent.

The Anti homosexuality Bill is mere hours away from possible enactment in the face of which the State department issued an even stronger statement today, flying in the face of David Bahati – its strongest proponent and author who thought that common ground has been reached now that the “kill” is out of the Bill.  Clearly the Bill is unacceptable in any form whatsoever.

“No amendments, no changes, would justify the passage of this odious bill,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters. “Both (President Barack Obama) and (Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) publicly said it is inconsistent with universal human rights standards and obligations.”

The State Department, he said, is joining Uganda’s own human rights commissions in calling for the bill’s rejection.

“We are following this legislative process very closely,” Toner said. “Our embassy is closely monitoring the parliament’s proceedings and we also are in close contact with Uganda’s civil rights and civil society leaders, as well as members of the (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community there.”

Keep an eye we will be following the progress all night and tomorrow .

HEAR RADIO INTERVIEW THIS WEEK WITH DAVID BAHATI

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan and SABC

I found out this morning that the SABC has been reporting that the Uganda Parliament has dropped the anti-homosexuality bill and there is nothing further from the truth. On Wednesday this week AP reported that Uganda had scrapped the ant-homosexuality bill. What followed was a flurry of excitement by the International LGBTI community.  I received scores of e-mails and comments exuding happiness that the Bill had died! But it had not.  Associated Press reporters  made an onerous mistake about something that could impact lives of thousands.

Has anyone found a retraction or an apology from Associated Press?

The Mistake:

“Uganda’s anti-gay bill delayed in debates amid outcry from US, international rights groups

By Associated Press, Published: May 11 in http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ugandas-anti-gay-bill-disappears-from-parliaments-agenda-after-global-outcry-against-bill/2011/05/11/AF1tkdoG_story.html

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s parliament on Wednesday was forced to drop plans to debate a controversial bill that once proposed the death penalty for some gays and lesbians, but officials indicated lawmakers would debate it on Friday.”

Many Blogs from Andy Towle of Towleroad to MS. Magazine picked up and reported the dropping of the Bill relying on the mistake http://www.msmagazine.com/news/uswirestory.asp?ID=13003.

I was dumbfounded by the assumptions that were made by the AP report, based simply on the fact that the  Bill was not on the Agenda for that Wednesday.

Because I had direct contact with David Bahati and other sources in the Uganda Parliament itself, sourced ,developed  and nurtured over 2 years of hard work, I was able to immediately respond to the AP assertion with the skepticism it deserved.

This erroneous report resulted in much damage control on the part of a  core few activists – and bloggers – including  Prof. Warren Throckmorten as we all worked to get to the bottom of the confusion over the past 24 hours, providing hourly updates on our respective sites.  See – My own Articles over the past few days at – http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

Associated Press – must amend its report and as a matter of urgency.  The mistake has caused SABC in South Africa, one of the most important venues for activism against the Bill – to report that the Bill has been dropped. In doing this AP has caused much work and possibly harm to the cause itself as many of us activists, including SA GLAAD have been pushing for South African President, Jacob Zuma to speak out immediately against the Anti-homosexuality Bill and to recall Ambassador Jon Qwelane, who currently is being sued in South Africa for homophobic statements that he made in the press.

AP reporters get paid for their work – activists and bloggers often slog the cause for the cause and no pay and to have our work diminished because of AP irresponsibility or lack of professionalism is simply unacceptable.

AP need to come out with a strong piece – give us bloggers some credit for our sourcing and our tenacity:

To prove that the Bill is on the Agenda for Friday – make a call and find out for your good selves!

Here is my latest communication with the Author of the Bill itself, Ugandan member of parliament, David Bahati

Melanie Nathan to Mr. Bahati - – We are mobilizing to protest and bring sanctions on Uganda,. Maybe President Museveni will veto the bill if it passes so he can look like a humanitarian in the face of the bad press he has been getting internationally. Why dont you be the hero and pull the Bill now! Your sister Nathan. http://lezgetreal.com/2011/05/getequal-calls-for-urgent-action-protest-the-kill-the-gays-bill-in-d-c/  

Mr. Bahati to Melanie Nathan -  May 12 at 5:32am “sister nathan, how are you. as i said am in in the cause to defend the children of uganda and defend the decency of our society. we have been hearing the different views from different stake holders and the committee of legal and parliamentary affairs has made the necessary amendments to accommodate all views. these amendment stand on our common ground………. ” the bill is on friday.

In solidarity and deep prayer for people of Uganda.

SIGN THE PETITION – TELLING PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO VETO THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL http://www.allout.org/petition/uganda

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Anne Mugisha

After many months of discussions and interviews via “Melanie Nathan’s  dubious courtship by David Bahati,”  the member of parliament and author of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda,  I have found myself in an all consuming whirlwind of fact finding, behind the scenes advocacy and reporting, as the otherwise known “kill the Gays Bill,” is reaching  a boil with the impending close of Uganda’s 8th Parliament this coming Friday.

The week has been a series of wave rides, ups and downs – the Committee hearing a surprise to a great many, leading to the Bill being placed on the Parliamentary agenda, finally scheduled for this coming Friday, the closing date for this the 8th parliament of Uganda.

At the time of writing this, there has been much speculation by a handful of mainstream press and blogger alike,  as to whether the Bill be voted upon at all, including an erroneous report by Associated Press, assuming that the Bill had been completely dismantled simply because it was not on Wednesday’s Parliamentary Agenda.

The most concise and well sourced of Blogs on the topic is that of  Prof. Warren Throckmorten,  whose latest of many reports though this day asserts:  By 5.40pm ET Wednesday: ” There are quite a few stories being narrated surrounding today’s session in the Ugandan parliament. The AP describes a walkout by female MPs over the Marriage and Divorce bill which left the plenary session without a quorum. If not for that action, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill might have been debated and passed. I am getting reports that I cannot confirm about deals being made to get the bill to the floor and others to keep it from the floor. Such is politics and I suspect there will be more angling before Friday.”

Factored into this  weeks of events is the extent of the outcry  of an enraged international community, including Secretary of State  Hilary Clinton, and I am told, an overwhelming amount of communications have  reached targets in  Uganda; including President Museveni who has heard from Sec. Clinton.

Despite reports that the Bill has been ditched, as of now, the Ugandan Parliament plans a 10am session- an earlier start time to usual 2pm start, on Friday May 13, 2011. It will run through the day until the remaining bills  from this session have been debated and voted upon.  According to two parliamentary spokeswomen, members could still vote to continue business to the next Parliament, if the bills are not considered on Friday.

Throckmorten notes:- “Clearly, the international response has been noticed in Kampala. Governments, including our own, are promising varying responses if the bill passes as is. Less clear is what happens if the bill passes with amendments which remove the death penalty, and do not criminalize attempted homosexuality.

Earlier today, David Bahati declined to tell me any additional possible changes, saying the report is embargoed until is it placed on the table in Parliament. I am pretty sure that any bill will be unacceptable to European and US interests, but it is unclear to me how far the Ugandan government will go to try to craft what they would consider to be a compromise.”

It is apparent that the version of the Bill to be brought in on Friday is an amended version, excluding the death penalty. While we are unable to view the version that will be up for debate on Friday, it apparent that prison sentences with still be harsh.

That said, regardless a compromised bill is still unacceptable and in viewing the statements of condemnation – many are as critical of the Bill regardless of the exclusion of the death penalty aspect.

I have come to a separate  speculative prediction.

From what I have heard, from a member of the opposition party,  the speaker supposedly committed to keep the Bill in abeyance, while all other Bills are heard first- perhaps to assert it timed out, but in effect to “ditch” the Bill. In such event they would beI  headed toward the perfect NON-STORM; an OUT for all the players- no pun intended.   The Speaker will keep putting the Bill to the side when it comes on Agenda for Friday to deal with the others that need to be passed. Then Parliament will close and the Bill will not be voted upon. All the Players have an out as follows: 1. saves Parliament from having to vote – so it seems no one caved to international pressure; 2. Museveni is not in a position where he has to veto or sign so he remains looking “good” to USA Dept of State, et al, and he is not seen to be giving in to international pressure – so saves face with his people on issue of gays. AND 3. Bahati has a perfect excuse – its not that his bill was unsuccessful – but rather  ” parliament did not have time for it”  as his face saver…” He reminded us that he is in Parliament until 2016 and can reintroduce bill anytime.

In this Cross Posted quote:- Anne Mugisha in her article at http://sfbayview.com/2011/first-they-came-for-uganda-and-u-s-culture-wars/ : “The anti-homosexual bill has, for better or worse, drawn Uganda into the midst of U.S. culture wars, and Ugandan human rights activists are unconvinced that the sudden attention has anything to do with genuine concern for Ugandans or their rights.

The questions on our minds are:

Where were they when Uganda was indicted by the International Court of Justice for committing violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and are they aware that the Ugandan government has never compensated DRC or been held accountable by Western governments for the devastation that Uganda’s military committed in DRC?

Where were U.S. activists when millions of Ugandans were herded into internally displaced peoples camps and kept there for two decades in destitution and inhuman conditions? Horrendous human rights abuses were committed by the military and the government through omission or commission in these camps for two decades, and yet Uganda’s president and officials continued to enjoy the prestigious company and favor of the international community.

Why is there no blip from U.S. human rights activists when Ugandans are brutalized and killed in order to keep the Kampala government in power?

And more recently, where were these so-called human rights activists last September when ethnic tensions overflowed and government released its brutal police and military on the streets, leaving 30 people dead?

Why is there no blip from U.S. human rights activists when Ugandans are brutalized and killed in order to keep the Kampala government in power?

My opposition to the anti-homosexuality bill is not about taking sides in U.S. culture wars; it stems from my experience with state sponsored persecution in Uganda. I have witnessed legislation and policies being implemented selectively for the sole purpose of isolating and persecuting unwanted elements in society, particularly opposition activists. Many commentators in the U.S. seem unaware of other U.S.-sponsored legislation, policy or training that has had an adverse impact on human rights in Uganda.

The U.S.-sponsored law on terrorism was used between 2001 and 2006 to scatter the opposition because they were dubbed terrorists by the government. When Uganda’s popular opposition leader Kizza Besigye returned to Uganda in 2005 after four years in exile, he was charged with terrorism in a military court in addition to trumped up charges of treason and rape in a civilian court. The rape case was dismissed, but the treason and terrorism charges linger on before the courts in Uganda.

The meddling of U.S. conservative evangelists in Uganda has led the Ugandan government to pursue abstinence measures over the use of condoms in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS and as a result Uganda’s fertility rates and HIV/AIDS infection rates are on the rise. The population explosion that has resulted from these abstinence policies has hindered efforts to fight poverty.

I also oppose the bill because I am not convinced there is need for separate laws for people based on their sexuality. Families and children are protected by our penal code, which punishes unwanted and criminal sexual advances, including rape, sodomy, prostitution and defilement.

Existing laws are not enforced because perpetrators of practices like defilement and forced marriage of underage girls and wife inheritance hide behind culture and religions that allow marriage of minors, or perpetrators bribe corrupt enforcement officials to turn a blind eye. So our culture and some religions are invoked selectively to conveniently accommodate certain practices like marriage of underage girls or to persecute minorities like homosexuals. Selective enforcement of the law flies in the face of the principle of equity and Uganda’s commitment to international human rights treaties and conventions.

I believe that a person who willfully or forcefully spreads HIV/AIDS through heterosexual or homosexual contact is hateful, and there is no reason why we would punish the homosexual and spare the heterosexual. I think we should be approaching these issues from a compassionate non-discriminatory perspective that emphasizes education and counseling on HIV/AIDS.

I oppose the bill because the legislation has an ulterior motive of political mobilization. Homosexuality was practiced in Uganda before English missionaries arrived in the country. This is a well-documented fact in the story of the Uganda Martyrs, who included the Buganda king’s pages that embraced Christianity and rejected the King’s homosexual advances, hence their martyrdom.

Yet the state has deliberately rallied the population to believe that homosexuality is a foreign practice that is being “imported” into the country. Ugandans are essentially conservative traditionalists and they are being mobilized around this one issue and diverted from real issues like widespread poverty and entrenched pervasive corruption which the government has failed to solve for 24 years.

Homosexuality was practiced in Uganda before English missionaries arrived in the country. Yet Ugandans are being mobilized around this one issue and diverted from real issues like widespread poverty and entrenched pervasive corruption.

Finally, I also oppose the law because it can and will be used in the same manner as the Malaysia and Zimbabwe governments used anti-homosexuality sentiments to persecute and derail the careers of political opponents.

Unfortunately, I can understand why some think that Western interest in the rights of homosexuals exceeds interest in all other human rights abuses in Uganda that have claimed thousands of lives and caused pain and anguish to millions more.

What an irony!

Anne Mugisha, deputy secretary for international and regional affairs of the Forum for Democratic Change, is a member of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s party and was the opposition candidate for Women’s Member of Parliament in Uganda’s Mbarara District in the February election.

NOTE: If the Anti-Homosexuality Bill does PASS I will be posting an article on what we need to do next – I will also be posting an article about what we as a community can do to help our LGBTI Brothers and sisters in Uganda.

SIGN THE PETITION – TELLING PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO VETO THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL http://www.allout.org/petition/uganda

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Molly McKay MEUSA

Marriage Equality USA Statement on Ugandan Bill  May 10, 2011 – As Americans, we must take action in support of our Ugandan brothers and sisters who are in immediate danger of being the victims of a bill that would subject them to the death penalty or lengthy prison terms for simply being who they are. We look back on historical instances of attack on disfavored groups of people and wonder how the citizens of the world could stand by and allow this to happen. Marriage Equality USA urges the U.S. Government to take a leadership role in diplomatic efforts to stop this bill and do everything they can to assist LGBT Ugandans and their supporters with humanitarian aid, support and expedited asylum.

There is evidence that this bill and the misinformation of the Ugandan governmental officials behind this bill,has been promoted, supported and funded by American fundamentalist Christian missionaries who are in active relationship with Ugandan highest ranking officials. We must ensure that America stands up, and shows up, for its enduring principles of equality and justice for all.

Marriage Equality USA Ambassador to Africa Melanie Nathan has been at the forefront of sounding the alarm over the imminent threat of passage of the “Kill the Gays” bill in Uganda.

Melanie MEUSA Africa Ambassador

READ HER ARTICLES ON UGANDAN KILL THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

This bill is being read in the Parliament right now and would:

(1) penalize LGBT people, including a death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”; prohibit the licensing of organizations which “promote homosexuality” and refuse recognition of marriages of same-sex couples performed in any country:

and

(2) Send Parents, Teachers, Lawyers, Medical Personnel, Counselors, and Landlords to prison and subject them to huge fines for failing to report the “homosexual behavior” of their child, pupil, client or tenant. Furthermore, it puts at serious risk any community leader or religious leader trying to work with LGBT people.

.We urge Marriage Equality USA members to take action in support of global solidarity and call, write, and fax the Ugandan Ambassador to the U.S. Now!

His Excellency Professor Perezi K. Kamunanwire
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Tel: (202) 726 4758
Fax: (202) 726 1727
pkamunanwire@ugandaembassyus.org

Call, write or fax ANY TIME beginning RIGHT NOW and continue until you hear that the bill has been dropped! Tell the Ambassador that the United States and the world are watching the developments in his country, and we are urging Uganda to stand for fairness and safety for all and to drop the anti-gay bill pending in Parliament. Imposing the death penalty for gay people and criminalizing their family and friends is wrong and unacceptable. We will urge our government to support aid that promotes acceptance and education around LGBT people. This senseless and dangerous bill must be stopped or innocent people will suffer and die.

IN ADDITION, please sign EACH OF THESE PETITIONS:

AVAAZ.org — (Over half a million have signed worldwide.): http://www.avaaz.org/en/uganda_stop_homophobia_petition_2/?vl

ALL OUT.org — (Over 250,000.): http://www.allout.org/petition/uganda

PLEASE REPOST AND SHARE WITH YOUR LISTS.

If you, or someone you know is in Washington D.C. – urge them to join GetEQUAL at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Washington, DC, Tuesday, May 10 · 4:00pm – 6:00pm

We need your help to apply pressure NOW. Please call, write and fax the Ugandan Ambassador to the United States!

Melanie Nathan, May 10, 2011

“The members of Equality California are united in calling on the State Department of the United States to make clear that the US condemns any attempt by the Ugandan Parliament to enact this bill into law,” said Jim Carroll, interim executive director of Equality California. “All Ugandans should be free from discrimination, persecution and violence, including LGBT Ugandans, and no one should fear for his or her safety because of who they are. By killing this heinous legislation once and for all, Uganda will help advance human rights for all.”

Last year, the California Senate passed a resolution (SR 51) condemning Uganda’s bill criminalizing LGBT people. The resolution, introduced by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by Equality California, asked the U.S. government to intensify its efforts to eliminate the criminalization of homosexuality worldwide as well as to take more caution when funding faith-based organizations to ensure that U.S. government funds and resources are accessible to women, minorities, and the LGBT community. The resolution also encourages faith-based organizations in the U.S. to support the creation of policies in other countries that do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The legislation also commended Reverend Christopher Senyonjo for his work and ministry to create an inclusive church and society in Uganda free from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Reverend Senyonjo toured California, the United States and Europe to educate and bring attention to the hostility of the recent wave of religious-based homophobia in Uganda.

Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed more than 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. www.eqca.org

SIGN THE PETITION – TELLING PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO VETO THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL http://www.allout.org/petition/uganda

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The Civil Society Coalition, a group of 28 organizations in the capital of Uganda, testified before parliament that the bill “is being used to blind the world to everything else that is going on in Uganda,” including a crackdown on the freedom of the press, rampant inflation, rising food and fuel prices, and a month of intense protests against government corruption.

Ugandan activists say that the government is attempting to reinvigorate this bill—known as the “Kill the Gays” bill—to draw attention away from its violent response to the demonstrations, which has consisted of arresting protest leaders, shooting unarmed civilians, and repeated teargassing of demonstrators. They are calling on the government to focus on pervasive issues of hunger, poverty, and democratic governance.

The Civil Society Coalition noted that the bill prohibits outreach, education, support and targeted services for LGBT people, including HIV treatment and prevention. The current Ugandan parliament will vote on the bill by the end of this week. Ugandan activists have asked that concerned allies circulate this information to media outlets, international organizations and their personal networks, and continue to watch www.GlobalEquality.Wordpress.com for further details.

A Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell:
“This bill is a shocking abuse of government power to persecute innocent people. The government is scapegoating the LGBT community in a blatant attempt to distract attention from its repression of all Ugandans. We support the efforts of the LGBT community in Uganda to stand up to this horrific assault, and we call on governments, religious and political leaders around the world to condemn this repugnant bill.”
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRrights.org

SIGN THE PETITION – TELLING PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO VETO THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL http://www.allout.org/petition/uganda

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Barclays Bank Building San Francisco - See you there soon!!!

If Uganda’s parliamentary members  enact the Anti-gay bill this week, as predicted by a good many Ugandan sources, including its author, David Bahati,  it must either be willing to  isolate itself or the representatives of the people have their heads deep in the ground! In my many conversations with David Bahati, he has said he is not concerned with what the international community thinks – and he is seated in the belief that the World does not give a damn about LGBTI human rights.

I know that corporate America is constantly seeking the multi billion pink dollar  – gay and lesbian (LGBTI) dollars have enormous clout  as well as in Europe and the UK. These banks also hire and promote LGBTI people as part of their diversity programs or just because gays and lesbians and their families  are a part of all our communities -a simple fact.

Barclays Bank has a large presence in Uganda and I am currently researching the rest of the banks on the list below and beyond…

They also have the following byline on their website:

Diversity and our People

Talented people are the foundation of our success, whatever their style, personality, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability…..

Barclays Bank – must come out now and speak out against Uganda’s Kill the Gays Bill – or we will call for an International Boycott. How can any international corporation,  with diversity programs – and which employ gays and lesbians, many providing  benefits to same-sex couples, continue to sit back and watch this legislation happen – knowing that we as a community will be calling upon these corporations to depart Uganda the minute that Bill passes this next week.

The bank is primarily involved in meeting the banking needs of individuals, small and medium businesses (SMEs), as well as large corporations. Prior to 2006, the bank focused on meeting the banking needs of large corporations and high networth individuals. That focus was loosened to include SMEs and regular customers. As of December 2010, Barclays Bank (Uganda) was the third largest commercial bank in Uganda, with assets in excess of US$476.4 million (UGX:1,100 billion)

Barclays Bank (Uganda) opened for business in Uganda in 1927, with two branches in the capital city, Kampala and one in Jinja, the country’s second commercial centre. In February 2007, Barclays Bank completed the acquisition of Nile Bank Uganda Limited, strengthening its presence in the country. As of July 2009, Barclays Bank (Uganda) employs more than 1,000 colleagues, has fifty three (53) branches and eighty (80) ATMs in service.

Perhaps these corporations do not realize the seriousness of this. In a world where countries have moved toward same-sex relationship acceptance – beyond mere tolerance – such as Barclays’ home turf – the United Kingdom- where same-sex gays and lesbians can legally marry (civil unions) – such companies cannot continue to serve their clients in good faith if they remain silent and /or do not leave the Ugandan market.

OH and by the way – This is just a tip of the iceberg- or should I say a spark off the Volcano?

SO here is a list of Banks – in Uganda – and we shall be going industry by industry – as time goes by in the next couple of weeks – looking into who is doing what in Uganda.  I invite other bloggers to join in the SLAM!

P.S. WHO DOES DAVID BAHATI BANK WITH?

This is a list of commercial banks in Uganda^[

1. ABC Capital Bank
2. Bank of Africa^[2]
3. Bank of Baroda
4. Barclays Bank
5. Cairo International Bank
6. Centenary Bank
7. Citibank Uganda Limited
8. Crane Bank
9. DFCU Bank
10. Diamond Trust Bank
11. Ecobank
12. Equity Bank
13. Fina Bank
14. Global Trust Bank
15. Housing Finance Bank
16. Imperial Bank Uganda^[3]
17. Kenya Commercial Bank
18. National Bank of Commerce
19. Orient Bank
20. Stanbic Bank
21. Standard Chartered Bank
22. Tropical Bank
    

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all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

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MAY 07, 2011 Broadcast

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Thank you Paul Canning for the Inspiration!

Update – Ugandan Kill the Gays – may have Bipartisan Compromise;

Today, public hearings on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill took place before the Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Committee, according to the bill author, David Bahati. In an interview, Bahati said that the Uganda Law Reform Commission and several religious leaders were on the list of those slated to provide testimony. He added, “I know that the process of legislation is moving forward.”

Bahati declined to say that the bill would be voted on next week, saying that the actual end of Parliament is not until May 18 when the 9th Parliament also begins. According to Charles Tuhaise, a researcher for parliament’s research office, most of the business will be concluded by the end of next week. He told me that the hearings for the Marriage and Divorce Bill have concluded and those for the Anti-Homosexuality Bill began today.

Warren Throckmorten Reports:-

In addition to the Law Reform Commission, those providing testimony today included the Attorney General’s Office, Martin Ssempa and Stephen Langa’s Family Life Network. Tuhaise said the antigay bill hearings will probably conclude on Monday with the NGO Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law being one group on the agenda.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 (click here for full text) would make any homosexual contact subject to life in prison, or even death if the participants are HIV positive. Those who know of homosexuals but do not report this information to the police could face fines and jail time. No exceptions are made for clergy or health care professionals.

The fate of the antigay measure has been uncertain since it was introduced on October 14, 2009. From the beginning, the bill had support from the public as well as from religious and political leaders. However, legislative progress on the bill was slowed by massive international opposition. Contrary to false reports that the bill had been shelved, it has remained before a Ugandan parliamentary committee. In December, 2010, committee chair Stephen Tashobya told me that he hoped to move the Anti-Homosexuality Bill through his committee in time for a vote before the end of Parliament. Tashobya also said that the hearings would precede a vote.

In a communication with Spectrum Uganda, we note that via Source : http://blogs.christianpost.com/opinion/2011/05/uganda-may-vote-on-anti-homosexuality-bill-next-week-06/“Bahati also told me that a resolution he offered to call for common ground between the government and opposition leaders was adopted by Parliament during today’s session.”

The bipartisan resolution was offered in the wake of protests over inflation and the violent response from the government. More details to follow.

UPDATE: I just spoke with LGBT advocate Brian Nkoyooyo (about 5pm there) who was in the hearings today. He said that the Human Rights Commission, Sexual Minorities Uganda and the Coalition on Human Rights presented testimony in opposition to the bill. The hearings are still being held, although he did not know who else intended to testify. He was not sure if hearings would take place tomorrow but believed that the bill could come to the Parliament for discussion by Wednesday.

….

From Throckmorton:

Throughout the day, I will post information as I get it regarding the status of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.  Today, opponents of the bill were supposed to testify.

Saturday, the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Edward Ssekandi said that business would wrap up on Wednesday. He sounded unsure about the fate of the AHB, and would not guarantee that it would get a vote.

The Parliament winds up with debate on several bills, some of them controversial, pending.

These include the Domestic Relations Bill, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the HIV Bill, Procurement Amendment Bill and the Company Act.

We want to ensure that at least two, especially the procurement and the company bills, are passed before we wind up,” Ssekandi said.

“Many MPs also want the Domestic Relations Bill to be passed because it has delayed for over 40 years. I don’t know whether we shall be able to pass it because the committee has not yet given me its report,” he said.

For the AHB to get a vote, the hearings would need to end today, a report be submitted to the Speaker by tomorrow leading to action on Wednesday. The two bills Ssekandi said had priority, the procurement and company bills. were slated for third readings and a vote today, according to the Parliament’s agenda. If those are out of the way, then there could be time for the remaining bills. According to the agenda, the HIV Control bill is to be read a second time tomorrow. The Domestic bill and the AHB could be read on Wednesday.

I add updates as I get them…

all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

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MAY 07, 2011 Broadcast

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Uganda is days away from enacting an insanity that will exacerbate a life already so tenuously lived,  and in doing so, its proponents are claiming that homosexuality is NOT a human right- that the Country has a right to its sovereignty – to make laws that protect its people – and that this law is imperative  because homosexuals are recruiting children “into homosexuality” in the schools.

This weekend, Michelle Meow and I challenged David Bahati, the author of the impending Anti-Homosexuality Bill, in a debate on Swirl Radio – and like many conversations we have had before, Bahati avoids the pertinent questions that may implode his version of gay and lesbian.  Questions such as what about the people who are in loving relationships who are NOT recruiting the children (as if that were even possible.)  Michelle tried to impart that being a lesbian is not about having sex.  I asked how Bahati would explain my being a lesbian – when no one recruited me…. and so on.

But the man is stuck in a crazy mind-set so deeply seated – rooted by seed of hateful Evangelicals who marked their target with money and power in exchange for their bidding and it turned into this – in the name of God, the  God I thought we all shared and the very God that made me the way I am and David Bahati the way he is.

“Mr Bahati – when did you know you were straight?”  “I did not need to know because it is natural for me…” – “Ah I said well then I can rest my case- because in the same way it is natural for you, my being a lesbian is natural for me.”

There is no changing his mind – it is set -he told me he would even turn in his own child… if he found his child is  gay – and now it is up to us to yell our international scream…..

This early Monday morning as you tune into your day and hopefully have found your way to read this post, thank your lucky stars you are not the one waking up in Uganda; and  to this horror as explained d by  Uganda’s Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law:

THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL, 2009;
On the 14th of October 2009, David  Bahati tabled the  Anti-Homosexuality Bill in the Ugandan Parliament. The Bill is currently before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

The objective of the Bill is ” to establish a comprehensive consolidated legislation to protect the traditional family by prohibiting:-
(i) any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex; and
(ii) the promotion or recognition of such sexual relations in public institutions and other places through or with the support of any Government entity in Uganda or any non governmental organization inside or outside the country “.

Amongst other aims, the Bill seeks to prohibit all marriages except those between man and woman, to prevent and penalize homosexual behavior, including a death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, to prohibit ratification of any international treaties, conventions, protocols, agreements and declarations which are contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, and to prohibit the licensing of organizations which promote homosexuality. Read the Bill !!

On a critical analysis, the Bill covers much more than the title alone proclaims. A much better title for this Bill would have been the “The Anti Civil Society Bill”, the “Anti Public Health Bill”, or the “Anti-Constitution Bill”. We, the various member organizations of the Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law see many unconstitutional and Human Rights violating implications of the Bill. As a matter of fact, this Bill represents one of the most serious attacks to date on the 1995 Constitution and on the key human rights protections enshrined in the Constitution including:

• Article 20: Fundamental rights and freedoms are inherent and not granted by the State
• Article 21: Right to Equality and Freedom from discrimination
• Article 22: The Right to Life (the death penalty provisions)
• Article 27: The Right to Privacy
• Article 29: Right to freedom of conscience, expression, movement, religion, assembly and association (this includes freedom of speech, Academic freedom and media freedom)
• Article 30: Right to Education
• Article 32: Affirmative Action in favor of marginalisd groups and
• Article 36 on the Rights of Minorities

The Bill has serious implications for instance Parents, Teachers, Lawyers, Medical Personnel, Counselors, or Landlords who do not report homosexual behavior of their child, pupil, client or tenant. They can be fined 5 million Uganda shillings, or put away for three to seven years in prison. Furthermore, it puts at serious risk any civil society leader or religious leader trying to work with homosexuals, resulting in closing down his or her organization, or punishing him or her accordingly. In short, this Bill targets everybody, and involves everybody: it cannot be implemented without making every citizen spy on his or her neighbors.

For more comments on the Bill by our coalition, click HERE

PLEASE send Press releases and Statement here to LGR re your condemnation of the BILL – time is of  the essence.. LGR@privatecourts.com

all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

HERE IS THE BILL

09 10 14 Bill No 2018 Anti Homosexuality Bill

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan May 08, 2011

. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi. Daily Monitor

Women activists are to march in Kampala today to protest government’s brutal response to demonstrations against the spiraling cost of living.Announced yesterday – on Mother’s Day – the women’s protest comes two days after lawyers under their Uganda Law Society ended a three-day strike over the high-handedness of the security agencies in dealing with the bi-weekly walk-to-work protests. Given what is going on in Uganda now, this is an unbelievably brave endeavor and extremely dangerous. But they have our eye -0 the world is watching and even more so with the Anti-Gay bill now almost ready to be voted upon this week.  Why dont we join forces and show solidarity while telling Ugandans they are being smoke screened by anti-gay fervor.

all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

MAY 07, 2011 Broadcast

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The Ugandan “Anti-homosexuality Bill” is the subject of hearings which began last Friday and the speaker of the Parliament has announced the bill will come to a vote in the next three days. The Parliament closes on Friday so if the bill is not passed it will die with this parliament.  However, according  Bahati says he will pursue the Bill into the next Parliament.  I have released this as a Press Draft Statement to help other Bloggers and Organizations formulate their own Press releases and Statements. Please spread the word and use freely.

Here  is an unofficial draft of the statement the Civil Society Coalition in Uganda is working on. It is being provided so that if   a organization wishes to issue its own statement you can use this draft statement as a guide.

Adrian Jjuuko Coordinator  of Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional law Uganda,  (CSCHRCL)  issued this draft Press statement is to be released by the Coalition tomorrow on May 09, 2011. (Africa Time)  It contains their position on the Bill and the process.   “It is still a draft because we must have the input and assent of all our member organizations, and also because it is scheduled to be issued soon after the submission of our memorandum to the committee,” notes Mr. Jjuuko.  ” However, it may be used to guide other statements that may be issued by our partners and to guide on any other urgent action in regard to the ongoing process. The final statement will be distributed tomorrow just after the submissions.”

Yet when al is said and done – trying to assert why the Anti- homosexuality bill is coming into play now is a diversion in itself.  It matters not, except to say that the Bill is a scapegoating tool which ever way you look at the timing.  Bahati, its author, was determined to bring it to the Parliament for a vote, regardless of the current oppressive chaos in Uganda.  and here it is….. a week away from likely passage.

Angel Mason, blogger,  in his passionate open letter on the subject notes :  “we charge you David Bahati, member of Uganda Parliament, with the crimes of political and moral treason. You have betrayed your vow to protect the nation of Uganda and the will of its people, and in its place you have substituted and inserted your own hatreds and personal demons into one of the most appalling pieces of legislation ever to be crafted in any country, appropriately nicknamed the “KILL THE GAYS BILL!” That you would stubbornly advocate and legislate such a human rights monstrosity is beyond belief! What is puzzling and even more frightening, is that you hold a position of power within the Ugandan Parliament. You foolishly assert that because the country of Uganda does not hold the genocide of same sex people as a human right violation, that it is not one. You foolishly advocate that any Ugandan gay person OUTSIDE of Uganda having consensual sex in any other part of the world should be extradited back to Uganda to be imprisoned. You foolishly rail against and denounce other compassionate nations who have taken an appropriate stand against your policies by refusing to fund your country or grant you monetary aid. Subsequently, you have made Uganda a Pariah in the world community. You, David Bahati, have sown the storm of moral cruelty, intolerance and oppression with your acts of ignorance and gross insensitivity and you are now deservingly reaping the whirlwind of world censure. “

Bahati told me he did not care about World Censure – he also said “homosexuality must be bad otherwise why does the USA discriminate against homosexuals,” – referring to the Defense of Marriage Act.

Bahati believes that the right to sovereignty is basis for his endeavor, using harm against children who he says and has yet to prove have  been recruited into homosexuality – his reasoning for the Bill’s necessity.

It is imperative that all LGBTI organizations and Clergy in the USA speak out urgently against this Bill.  Much more information can be attained from my own work on the topic and my numerous discussions with the author of the Bill David Bahati – all articles are located at :-  http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+Bahati.

MAY 07, 2011 Broadcast

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI

Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired  yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

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11 05 08 Draft Press Statement on Submissions to the LPAC of Parliament

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

HRW and the US State department have been keeping watchful eye on the developments in Uganda and now HRW is calling for the following:

“The Ugandan government should conduct a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into the use of lethal force by security forces to counter recent demonstrations and rioting throughout the country, Human Rights Watch said today. The violence took place over several days in April when demonstrators protested against wasteful government spending and rising commodity prices.

Human Rights Watch carried out investigations into fatal and non-fatal shootings by the security forces, as well as abuses such as beatings, theft, and rape that occurred on three of the most violent days of the demonstrations, April 14, 21, and 29, 2011. Based on multiple eyewitness accounts, Human Rights Watch documented at least nine unarmed people killed by government forces – six in Kampala, two in Gulu, and one in Masaka – none of whom were actively involved in rioting.

“Uganda’s security forces met the recent protests with live fire that killed peaceful demonstrators and even bystanders,” said Maria Burnett, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “A prompt, effective, and independent investigation into the violence is essential. For far too long Uganda’s government has allowed a climate of impunity for serious abuses by the police and military.”

Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 60 people, including victims and their relatives, eyewitnesses, community members, medical staff, members of civil society, police, military, and journalists in Gulu and Kampala. Human Rights Watch also gathered forensic evidence, such as photographs of bullet holes, and medical and police records.

The Ugandan government should include outside, independent international experts to participate in investigations and set out the concrete steps it will take to ensure perpetrators are held to account. Specifically, the Ugandan government should invite the African Union and United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Extrajudicial Executions to Uganda to conduct an in-depth investigation. Because of the deep mistrust between the security forces and communities affected by the recent violence, the inclusion of independent international experts will also encourage witnesses to come forward, Human Rights Watch said…..   read more…  http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/05/08/uganda-launch-independent-inquiry-killings

I spoke to a member of Ugandan parliament,  who told me the Ugandan government did not agree with nor condone torture. He asked for the name of the person who had given me the information. I informed him that I could give the name out because the person feared the government and specifically noted government security were in on his kidnap and torture.

This call by HRW may be a way to get the ball rolling in the International community, sas urely Human rights Watch realize that while asking for such Investigation,  it is unlikely that Museveni will allow external investigators into Uganda for this purpose.

The man who had been injected and released informed me that he saw one of his torturers at a roadblock in an officer’s uniform – who yelled out to him “are you still trying to stay alive..?”

It seems clear that if in fact such poison was lethal over a period of time, that such victims will die in locations where government cannot be held accountable and long after the injuries of the torture were gone.

It is my opinion , from the communications I have received out of Uganda, that Human Rights Watch is under estimating the fear and just how many Ugandans are in hiding and unlikely to emerge. The people are in desperate fear of their lives and may only be able to get messages out through people like me who are not inside Uganda.

The stories are atrocious – the Global community should not depend on internal groups  and NGO’s such as HRW for an accounting – in reality it cannot be enough,  the USA and other administrations will have to note that the serious human rights infractions are the work of  team Museveni – who may well find himself in a Mubarak model – where he may also be the subject to of a criminal trial with a possible death penalty.

Museveni might want to consider a dramatic change of course – that is if he wants to save himself from a Mubarak type fate; he will have to reign in his goons sooner than later and stop the oppression allowing for democracy to have its way.

UPDATED:
Within hours iof writing this piece, I have received a good many e-mails from people – and here is one I have chosen to quote; of course I have redacted identifying information:-:

Via E-mail 5/08/11-  ” I read your article about human rights abuse by the government of dictator Museveni with happiness about how you articulated events taking place in this country. People in Uganda today face gross human rights abuses where they are tortured, detained arbitrarily and summarily executed.

For many of us who have relatives there, they are even afraid to answer our phones to talk to us. It’s a very distressing situation, and the sad thing is, the US government doesn’t seem to care.
With people like you articulating what’s going on there, the international community may decide to pay attention, so I thank you for that article and please, don’t stop writing about human rights in Uganda.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Time To Hit UGANDA Hard – there is not much to lose at this point.  Some activists from within Uganda are reporting that if  the AHB makes it to  a vote it will probably pass in this current 8th Parliament. It will be heard in committee tomorrow, Monday 9th  for a second day. Parliament sessions end for 8thy Parliament on May 12, 2011.

Grassroots and LGBTI Organizations worldwide it is time to mobilize; to protest  outside buildings of prominence.  Call on President Museveni to stop LGBTI persecution through street savagery and now impending legislation.   Call on Museveni to Stop killing and torturing all Ugandans.   Do Not allow the LGBT community of Uganda to be scapegoated – that is why we must mention all oppression in Uganda when we speak of this Bill.

South Africa GLAAD is the first such organization to condemn the Uganda Government and call for Sanctions by the UN.

SA GLAAD condemns the Kill-the-Gays Bill’s new momentum.

The South African Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (SA GLAAD) condemns in the strongest possible terms the Ugandan parliamentary hearings on the Anti-homosexuality Bill of 2009.

Recently it seemed that the Bill was to be shelved and declared officially dead, but new Parliamentary hearings appear to be a fast-tracking mechanism to pass this heinous piece of legislation, whose existence is an affront to human rights values – as well as the “family values” Bahati and his associates claim to represent. The right thing to do in this case would be to permanently shelve this odious and morally reprehensible bill and to place it in a museum of Crimes Against Humanity where it could join reminders of past horrors such as the Holocaust, and the Rwandan and Baltic genocides of the 1990′s.

Mr Bahati carps that “the gays recruit our children” and considers being gay a “lifestyle choice”, thereby perpetuating what has by now become a stereotype which denotes how ignorant and out of touch with reality those are who hate some people so much that they demand they be killed for who they are, while simultaneously denying their humanity and individual worth.

Gay people do not recruit children. Mr Bahati displays his contempt for gay people by fabricating claims so absurd that any right-minded individual who has taken the trouble to read up on these topics would see right through it. There are reams of studies conducted by numerous authorities to completely disprove this insulting and totally false accusation. There is also a vast difference between pedophilia and homosexuality – pedophilia is the sexual attraction of an adult to a child and is non-consensual abuse, not a loving consenting adult relationship – and to confuse the two is to confirm to the world their ignorance and to lay bare this hate mongering propaganda for what it is.

Being gay is not a lifestyle choice as Mr Bahati claims, it never was. So much research has been conducted on this issue over the past 30 years, delivering so much substantiating evidence that only brute stupidity, willful ignorance and blatantly malicious bigotry would sound such blind judgment. The only driving force behind this bill is pure, unadulterated hatred driven by personal discomfort and religious fundamentalist fervor. Which is precisely why so much of the information and tactics employed in the Ugandan campaign is akin to the tactics employed by the likes of the Nazis.

We call on the government and parliament of Uganda to stop this legislative process before any more harm is done to the lives of the citizens of Uganda. We call on the judiciary of Uganda to stand firm against such draconian legislation. We call on the people of Uganda to hold their government to account and to demand the basic human rights of all Ugandans. The right to equality is not a privilege and sole preserve for those who happen to have been born straight.

SA GLAAD calls on the governments of the free world, including the South African government to decisively condemn this action by the Ugandan parliament. We expect South Africa to do more than talk. We expect South Africa to live up to our Constitution and to intervene and also to immediately recall the homophobic High Commissioner, Jon Qwelane – regardless of any pressure brought to bear by the Ugandan government or demagogues like Bahati or Martin Ssempe.

We call on multinational companies and South African companies to divest and withdraw from Uganda if this abhorrent legislation is passed. We understand that businesses and investors need to make money, and that South Africa clearly would like to extend our assistance to fellow African states in the spirit of ubuntu – but money made at the cost of human rights, human dignity and human lives is blood money that will stain their hands for all time.

We call for UN sanctions and the toughest measures possible to be implemented. This debate around the implementation of the state-sanctioned oppression and murder of the Pink Community in Uganda has raged now for almost 2 years with no end in sight, and little action if any taken against the country. It is time to put this issue to bed.

SA GLAAD sees the Bahati-bill for what it is, a ploy. A scapegoat mechanism to detract attention from the civil unrest currently manifesting in Uganda.

ABOUT SA GLAAD:

The South African Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation – fighting for the rights of the entire LGBTIQ community
Follow us on Twitter: @saglaad

The SA Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (SA GLAAD) is an equal civil rights advocacy group that documents and responds to homophobia and heterosexism in the South African popular media and society. Responses to defamation range from letter writing campaigns to direct action activism and protests.The goal of SA GLAAD is the elimination of anti gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and intersex bias in reporting, television and film.

Uniting the LGBTIQ community Unity in diversity An injury to one is an injury to all Silence gives consent Anything less is not equal Right Wing Watch of South Africa Fighting the reparative therapy fraud Political lobbying Protection and expansion of civil rights.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Time To Hit UGANDA Hard

David Bahati, the member of Parliament is so keen to push it through that he has even said he would and I quote “consider” taking the death penalty out.   That would not help the witch hunts, the persecution and life terms in prison.

After speaking to a spokesperson at the Department of State – all I can say is that the State department is aware of what is going on. I would presume that they have had people on the ground in Uganda attend the hearings.

I also have been informed from a source in Uganda that the Sexual Minority Civil Society group will be allowed to testify on Monday.

Imagine testifying before a committee that could render one guilty of a crime the very following week, by mere provision of such testimony. Could these LGBT activists in Uganda be more brave? Now we the Global community must rally and show our support.

Grassroots and LGBTI Organizations worldwide it is time to mobilize; to protest  outside buildings of prominence.  Call on President Museveni to stop LGBTI persecution through street savagery and now impending legislation.   Call on Museveni to Stop killing and torturing all Ugandans.   It is imperative that Gay and Lesbian (LGBTI) America  show the people of Uganda that we are here to support all Ugandan victims of oppression – those who  suffer because of the criminalization of their existence and others who may be straight who have suffered human rights infractions over these post election months.

So read this and see what you are willing to do:-

IN THE NAME OF OUR BROTHER DAVID KATO; END HOMOPHOBIA IN AFRICA

Dear Fellow Activists, Organizations et al;

This is critical and Urgent… I am especially asking the pre-eminent LGBTI Orgs on my list to respond with urgent action and any member of clergy or others involved in the fight for LGBTI Equality and human rights advocacy. IFor some and you know who you are this is merely an FYI.

In my capacity as MEUSA Ambassador to Africa and for the Purpose of my report on LezGetReal – I need your urgent Assistance

This week we saw the anti-gay bill in Uganda actually – better believe it – find its way into a committee hearing. When I spoke to David Bahati – he told me it would probably be a two day hearing. Then it will go to Parliament for a vote.

Although Bahati is in his seat until 201, they are trying to push the Bill through to a vote before the conclusion of this 8th Parliament – set for May 12, 2011.

The hearings continue on Monday. The State Department will be making a BIG statement if the law passes.

The impact will be tremendous on the community there. The State department informed me they are taking these developments very seriously.

I think we need to show the same from our community but we must act now – maybe we can actually stop it from passing.

OUR community outcry is critical and I believe it is helpful NOT to wait until after the Bill passes – as it may well do – but to try and impact it now.

ACTION PLAN RE UGANDA

• I am asking all of you to please submit a statement directly to me condemning the action in committee
  
• Statement and Comments could be unified or separate –
• Please e-mail same to me as a matter of urgency-

I also plan to publish the statements in LezGetReal, which is also widely read in Africa and Uganda – our articles get picked up by Ugandan Press-

The US State Department reads my work as a matter of course and so will see the statements as well-

I would also then submit the statements to one of the local newspapers in Uganda -

PS .Longer term – ACTION PLAN if the Bill passes and perhaps even if it does not…
We need to prepare for the eventuality as it could happen quickly
Need to Reach out to DHS and the Administration to explore and ask for a special refugee category / fast track – for LGBT people in Uganda   More later…

Here are some articles that could provide some direction.

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/05/alert-ugandan-anti-homosexuality-bill-is-getting-its-hearing-today/

http://lezgetreal.com/2011/05/uganda-president-museveni-heading-straight-into-idi-mode-anti-gay-bill-kidnapping-torture-of-straight-people/

http://www.gayapolis.com/news/artdisplay-news.php?artid=8433

If you want to hear David Bahati the MP and author of the Kill the Gays Bill,  on homosexuality go to www.sworlradio.comn and listen to the Podcast from 5/7/20100 – it should be up tomorrow.

Thanking you all in advance for your kind consideration and participation in ths action…. please feel free to pass on as you deem fit.

If you are concerned or outraged feel free to send your own private statements directly to the email adds I have provided below. Please send us your statements so we can show them on site and we will email them to every member of Uganda’s parliament.  Also please be polite and purposeful. It is important to impart that we are born LGBTI and cannot be recruited.  If you have seen any studies, then reference them.

Thank you also to those friends of equality and Human rights in the international community for participating in this. Best wishes and

in extreme solidarity,

mel

MELANIE NATHAN
BA LLB LLM

www.lezgetreal.com

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First Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for East Africa     Hon. Eriya Kategaya ekategaya@parliament.go.ug

Second Deputy Prime Minister &  Public Service     Hon. Henry Kajura kmuganwa@parliament.go.ug

Third Deputy Prime Minister &  Internal Affairs     Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja kkirunda@parliament.go.ug

Minister for Security     Hon. Amama Mbabazi mamama@parliament.go.ug

Presidency     Hon. Beatrice Wabudeya wmukaye@parliament.go.ug

General Duties (Office of the Prime Minister)     Hon. Mukwaya Janat jmukwaya@parliament.go.ug/jm@mtti.go.ug

Gender, Labour and Social Affairs     Hon. Opio Gabriel gopio@parliament.go.ug

Trade and Industry   Hon. Kahinda Otafiire kotafiire@parliament.go.ug

Water and Environment     Hon. Maria Mutagamba mmutagamba@parliament.go.ug

Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries     Hon. Hope Mwesigye hmwesigye@parliament.go.ug

Defence     Hon. Crispus Kiyonga ckiyonga@parliament.go.ug

Relief and Disaster Preparedness     Hon. Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere kabwegyere@parliament.go.ug

Lands, Housing and urban Development     Hon. Omara Atubo oatubo@parliament.go.ug

Health     Hon. Stephen Malinga smallinga@parliament.go.ug

Foreign Affairs     Hon. Sam Kutesa skutesa@parliament.go.ug

Education and Sports     Hon. Geraldine Bitamazire bnamirembe@parliament.go.ug

Energy and Minerals     Hon. Hillary Onek honek@parliament.go.ug

Communication & Information Communication Technology     Hon. Aggrey Awori awori@parliament.go.ug

Information & National Guidance     Hon. Kabakumba L. Masiko klmasiko@parliament.go.ug

Local Government     Hon. Mwesigye Adolf amwesige@parliament.go.ug/ mwesigeadolf@yahoo.com

Minister Without Portfolio     Hon. Dorothy Hyuha shyuha@parliament.go.ug

Finance, Planning and Economic Development     Hon. Sydda Bbumba sbbumba@parliament.go.ug

Works     Hon. John Nasasira jnasasira@parliament.go.ug

Justice, Constitutional Affairs & Attoney General     Hon. Khiddu Makubuya mekhiddu@parliament.go.ug

Government Chief Whip     Hon. Daudi Migereko dmigereko@parliament.go.ug

Leader of the Opposition –    Hon. Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo latigo@parliament.go.ug

The Opposition Chief Whip    Hon. Kassiano Wadri ekwadri@parliament.go.ug

The opposition Deputy Chief Whip    Judith Franca Akello jakello@parliament.go.ug

THE SHADOW CABINET MINISTERS

Presidency and Ant-Corruption     Hon. Fungaroo Kaps Hassan kfungaroo@parliament.go.ug

Justice, Constitutional Affairs and Attorney General    Hon. Erias Lukwago elukwago@parliament.go.ug

Information and National Guidance    Hon. Christopher M. Kibazanga ckibanzanga@parliament.go.ug

Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries   Hon. Christine Bako acbako@parliament.go.ug

Local Government    Hon. John Arumadri Drazu jarumadri@parliament.go.ug

Finance, Planning and Economic Development    Hon. Okello Oduman aoduman@parliament.go.ug

Defence and Security    Hon. Angiro Gutomoi cangiro@parliament.go.ug

Internal Affairs and Human Rights    Hon. Hussein Kyanjo hkyanjo@parliament.go.ug

Foreign Affairs, Regional and East African Cooperation    Hon. Geoffrey Ekanya gekanya@parliament.go.ug

East African Cooperation      Kiyonga Francis fkiyonga@parliament.go.ug

Health    Hon. Dr. Fransis Epetait fepatait@parliament.go.ug

Education and Sports    Hon.Alice Alaso aalaso@parliament.go.ug

Public Service    Hon. Micheal Nyeko Ocula mnyeko@parliament.go.ug

Gender, Labour and Youth    Hon. Susan Nampijja nsusana@parliament.go.ug

Works and Infrastructure Development    Hon. Eng. Patrick Amuriat pamuriat@parliament.go.ug

Lands and Physical Planning    Hon. Nabilah Nagayi Sempala nsempala@parliament.go.ug

Housing and Urban Development     Hon. Matia Nsubuga nbirekeraawo@parliament.go.ug

Tourism, Trade and Industry    Hon. John Baptist Kawanga jkawanga@parliament.go.ug

Water and Environment    Hon. Beatrice A. O. Atim cogwal@parliament.go.ug

Energy and Mineral Development   Hon. Harry Kasigwa hkasigwa@parliament.go.ug

Communication, ICT and Technology     Hon. Loius Opange lopange@parliament.go.ug

Rehabilitation, Relief and Disaster Preparedness    Hon. Betty Aol Ocan baol@parliament.go.ug

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The NRM came to power promising to restore security and respect for human rights. Indeed, this was part of the NRM’s ten-point program, as Museveni noted in his swearing in speech:

“The second point on our programme is security of person and property. Every person in Uganda must [have absolute] security to live wherever he wants. Any individual, any group who threatens the security of our people must be smashed without mercy. The people of Uganda should die only from natural causes which are beyond our control, but not from fellow human beings who continue to walk the length and breadth of our land.”

However now in an ironic twist – Museveni has grown into “he whom he deposed!”  Challenged in a recent TV interview, it was if the President all but  usurped the body of Amin – ironically while being asked what he thought of being called “another Idi Amin.”  That cliche’ “caught like a deer in the headlights” cannot be resisted – when you view the posture and response of Museveni to the interviewer below.

Museveni is  boldly questioned by Linus Kai Kai, host asks is “President Museveni losing the shine?”   The video shows the recent events around the arrest and detention of Museveni’s Presidential Opponent Kizza Besigye Kifefe and then the bland: “How does it make you feel “when you are compared to Idi Amin Dada?”

In truth Uganda is in more turmoil than evident on the surface or exposed by mainstream media. There are reports of over 400 -700 arrests, deaths, torture.

The USA and international media has for the most part ignored the uprising now emerging in Uganda – the struggle of the opposition party trying to be heard-  non-free and unfair, rigged elections  – in the face of police brutality, denial of freedom of speech and the right to a quiet walk to work protest, arrests of opposition, kidnappings, torture; and secondly, the almost about to be enactment of the Anti-homosexuality bill – otherwise known as the ‘Kill the Gays Bill,’ which was heard in committee today and will continue to be heard Monday, possibly passing through a vote in parliament next week.

After being personally apprised by my sources and contacts in Uganda, I have received first hand information  of  torture and secret death houses being used the Museveni regime.  People who are opposed to his party are being kidnapped and brutally tortured.

My straight friend who peacefully opposed Museveni, simply by running for an office,  has been kidnapped, tortured and released, after being injected with a slow death causing poison. There will be no dead bodies in torture houses. The people will die on the streets weeks after the bruises and physical signs of torture have disappeared. This is not conjecture.   My Gay friends are hiding in fear of a law that could result in life in prison and perhaps death.

My straight and gay friends are caught in a death trap and they are in Uganda, together.

American and the International media and politicians cannot maintain this silence. What are we waiting for? For the Kill the Gays Bill to pass? For Museveni to poison more Ugandans in his torture houses ?

Press and Media we need to put Uganda on notice that we are watching and noticing and the US administration must condemn the brutality against the people – imploring upon Museveni that there will be  international consequences.

Uganda must be told that the attempts to legislate its way out of the international Declaration of Human Rights, in the name of sovereignty, will not justify its war against freedom of sexual orientation.

It is time for us to tie these two sets of  colliding circumstances together – into one awareness and condemnation package – human rights are being infringed in a country purporting democracy; we are witnessing scapegoating and smoke screens and an emerging  genocide right before our eyes.

The enactment of the anti-homosexuality Bill is repugnant and unacceptable. While at the same time  the arrests, kidnapping, detention without trial,  torture and killing of  opposition Party members  (who just happen  to also not want the anti-gay laws,)  is the ultimate and unconscionable doings of an out of control  dictator.

Museveni’s attempts to  justify the actions of his government are juxtaposed to the video scenes of the arrests.  Perhaps  this Ugandan President cannot  escape the history of his predecessor – perhaps  he is indeed now earning his “Yoweri Kaguta Idi Amin Museveni Dada!”

More Articles on LGR about Uganda -

http://lezgetreal.com/?s=uganda

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Lesbians Vs. Bahati: Lesbian Radio Host & Blogger Team Up To Debate Uganda’s Anti-Gay MP -

Broadcast Swirl Radio on the air:
San Francisco (Green 960am) Saturday – 1pm
Seattle (1090am) Saturday – 5pm
Boston (1510am) Saturday – 5pm.

www.swirlradio.com

www.lezgetreal.com

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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Melanaie Nathan, Tlali Tlali and Ndumie Funda March 2011

A 13-year-old lesbian  was raped in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, the Department of Dustice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) announced today.  How many more South African men are cowards?  Today the South African Department of Justice came out in probably one of the strongest statements we have seen to date, calling men who rape women, cowards.

“Government condemns this senseless and cowardly act of criminality,” department spokesperson, Mr.  Tlali Tlali said in a statement. He said the girl, who was open about her sexuality, was raped in what seemed to be an act of “corrective rape” on Thursday.

SAPA reports  that according to activists, lesbian women are often victims of “corrective rape”, which is forced sex with a man to “cure” their sexuality.The department said every South African had the right to express themselves in the sexual orientation of their choice.

Tlali said police and the National Prosecuting Authority’s sexual offences and community affairs unit would investigate the case. The girl and her family would also receive assistance from the department of justice and the department of social development.

“Gay and lesbian rights are human and constitutional rights which must be protected and respected at all times,” he said.

Just two weeks ago, Noxolo Nogwaza, a 24-year-old member of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee, a gay rights group, was brutally raped and stoned to death in Kwa Thema township outside Johannesburg, targeted because she was a lesbian. Neighbors report hearing that  the men threatening to rape her to  take away her lesbianism.

Activists  have held two meetings with Mr. Tlali Tlali, one such meeting just this past Monday,  to bring reforms and awareness and shed light on homophobia with particular reference to so called corrective rape.

Ndumie funda, director of Luleki Sizwe said “It kills me. It tears my heart apart. Especially a 13 year old, it is almost an infant. It is time that the entire community stood together, also gay friendly people, churches and leaders. This task team needs to act now. We cannot sit and fold our arms. We need to act ASAP. Justice is all we are asking for, this bastard needs to be ARRESTED, prosecuted to the full extend of the law. We ask the community to help the SAPS getting this person.

We also need to see justice for Nxolo. We need to beyond just task teams, we need an imbizo where the whole community comes together and where we protect and govern vulnerable people like. In this regard we need to act immediately. We ask President Zuma to speak out at the soonest in this time of sorrow. ”

Melanie Nathan of LezGetReal, who attended one such meeting reported: “We have been imploring upon Minister Radebe to openly condemn Corrective rape of lesbians and to legislate such rapes as hate crimes. To date this is the strongest statement from the office of the Minister.  However we would like to have Minister Radebe himself stand before a microphone and call all South African men who rape women  “cowards” as well as call upon the people of South Africa to stop the homophobic attacks on lesbians and other LGBT people.”

Mel Nathan and Ndumie at parliament Corrective Rape Meetings And the SA Gay Flag

Mr. Tlali Tlali, from the department said every South African had the right to express themselves in the sexual orientation of their choice.

The meeting held with DOJDC and National Prosecuting Authority this week, with Luleki Sizwe and other activist groups, rendered a commitment to effect the sought after LGBT Task force on the issue in partnership between the DOJDC, DPA, SAP and grass root activists aqs well as NGO’s. The meetings have been held under the leadership of Mr. Tlali Tlali.

As part of the team talking with government, Henry Bantjez (Luleki Sizwe ) commented, “We can categorically state that we are confident that the Department of Justice and president Zuma’s ANC Government condemns this cowardly act.” A spokesperson in the DOJ (Tladi Tlali) stated that the government would like to reiterate that everyone in South Africa has the right to express themselves in the sexual orientation of their choice. “Gay and Lesbian rights are human and constitutional rights which must be protected and respected at all times.”

Our sources informed us that Department of Social Development is assisting the young girl and her family during this trying time and interacting with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs unit in an effort to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Luleki Sizwe is calling for maximum sentencing in this case, given prosecution. Eugene Brockman (Gay flag of South Africa) commented “We are saddened by this violent act against this very brave young girl who did nothing wrong but being herself. Enough is enough and we are not ending our plight (and talks) with the government to escalate issues of corrective rape…”

We extend our love and support to the young and her family. No longer will we tolerate any form of discrimination or violence against the lgbti community,” Bantjez said.

Studies by the government-funded Medical Research Council in 2009 and 2010 found that one in four South African men admitted to committing rape, and one in three in north-central Gauteng province, where Nogwaza and Simelane were attacked.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Henry Velandia, who legally married an American man, stood before  Judge Alberto Riefkohl today – with a great likelihood of being deported back to his country of origin, despite being married to an American citizen.  Against all odds, the judge granted Velandia an adjournment thus putting his deportation on hold.

This decision comes one day after US Attorney General Eric Holder set aside a Board of Immigration Appeals ruling in a similar case.

“The attorney general’s decision yesterday is an extraordinary development, it’s historic, it’s the first time any attorney general has intervened in an immigration case involving a bi-national same-sex couple,”  says  immigration attorney, Lavi Soloway. “The specific instruction he’s given indicates he’s interested in finding a possible solution so gay and lesbian partners of American citizens can be afforded the same rights.”

Nonetheless the STOP the DEPORTATION ACTIONS should not derogate from the activism necessary to fight for the basic rights to ALL Same-sex married or ‘to be married’ Americans and US residents.  Currently DOMA precludes gays and lesbians from sponsoring spouses and fiance’s for green cards.

The Action by Eric Holder and resulting inquiry is about impending deportations and does not address the issue of same-sex green cards in general. For this, the LGBT community must fight for the repeal pf DOMA and a special interim Visa process in the meantime.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

UPDATED: Today, hearings were held at the Ugandan Parliament regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. They are also scheduled for Monday with a vote possible next week. The bill is being fast tracked after months of sitting in committee. Despite opposition from the Museveni administration, the Parliament seems intent to bring the bill to the floor before they close the 8^th parliament on the 18^th. It is definitely crunch time for this bill. Although Bahati has noted that he has seat in parliament until 2016.

The blogger GayUganda reports that the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill authored and being pushed heavily now by MP David Bahati, is under discussion in the Ugandan Parliament today precisely because “the government needs a heady diversion for the country.”

Recently Uganda has seen unrest and has come down hard on all opposition to the Museveni Regime – including arrests and torture of political opponents who ran for local office in opposition to the government.  Whereas the Museveni led government on the one hand may seem to talk the talk of  holding the Kill-the gays Bill in abeyance, it serves their current situation to allow Bahati to push and provide traction to it, as a way of re-focusing the Ugandans away from the real issues at hand in the Country.

A true scapegoat!  We know where that will lead…. the violence has and will escalate against the already tenuous LGBT community in Uganda.

Even though this is the tail end of a Parliament ending next week, GayUganda says that the bill will be passed in the next one.

I spoke to David Bahati who informed me that he will ensure that the Bill will pass, especially that he will be in parliament until 2016. Mr. Bahati’s reverberation can be hear in my Radio interview with him and Michelle Meow of  radio interview on Swirl Radio, tomorrow at 1:00pm Green 960, Bay Area, (San Francisco) California.  It will also air in Boston and Seattle and then will be located as a podcast on www.Swirlradio.com and www.Lezgetreal.com

Reporting this news GayUganda says it will appall the international community. But – as he thanks us for our help – he has a clear message: (Via Paul Canning, LGBT Asylum News)

GAY UGANDA:- Hey, so, what should you do?

People, I am a gay man, who is Ugandan. I can be killed because of being gay in Uganda. But, I can also be killed because of the general abuse of human rights in the country.

I REQUEST, AND BEG OF YOU, OUR ALLIES, NOT TO BE FOOLED.

That is very important.

If you want to condemn the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, please CONDEMN in the strongest terms possible, the general state of Human rights in Uganda.

UPDATED: 9.32 AM 5/6/2010 – With Thanks to Warren Throckmorten:

Today, public hearings on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill took place before the Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Committee, according to the bill author, David Bahati. In an interview, Bahati said that the Uganda Law Reform Commission and several religious leaders were on the list of those slated to provide testimony. He added, “I know that the process of legislation is moving forward.”

Bahati declined to say that the bill would be voted on next week, saying that the actual end of Parliament is not until May 18 when the 9th Parliament also begins. According to Charles Tuhaise, a researcher for parliament’s research office, most of the business will be concluded by the end of next week. He told me that the hearings for the Marriage and Divorce Bill have concluded and those for the Anti-Homosexuality Bill began today. In addition to the Law Reform Commission, those providing testimony today included the Attorney General’s Office, Martin Ssempa and Stephen Langa’s Family Life Network.  Tuhaise said the antigay bill hearings will probably conclude on Monday with the NGO Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law being one group on the agenda.

The fate of the antigay measure has been uncertain since it was introduced on October 14, 2009. From the beginning, the bill had support from the public as well as from religious and political leaders. However, legislative progress on the bill was slowed by massive international opposition. Contrary to false reports that the bill had been shelved, it has remained before a Ugandan parliamentary committee. In December, 2010, committee chair Stephen Tashobya told me that he hoped to move the Anti-Homosexuality Bill through his committee in time for a vote before the end of Parliament. Tashobya also said that the hearings would precede a vote.

Bahati also told me that a resolution he offered to call for common ground between the government and opposition leaders was adopted by Parliament during today’s session. The bipartisan resolution was offered in the wake of protests over inflation and the violent response from the government.

Tune in for part one, Saturday May 7, and thereafter on podcast at www.swirlradio.com or connect via www.lezgetreal.com‘

Broadcast Swirl Radio on the air:
San Francisco (Green 960am) Saturday – 1pm
Seattle (1090am) Saturday – 5pm
Boston (1510am) Saturday – 5pm.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda