Rainbow Herring: the Anti-Homosexuality Bill as a Case Study of Human Rights Violations and Cover-Ups in Uganda

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2016

Department

Program

Bachelor's Degree

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

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Abstract

As part of my study abroad program, each student completed a six week independent study on a topic of his/her choice. I chose to focus on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, commonly referred to as the “Kill the Gays” Bill. Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, but the Anti-Homosexuality Bill would make the punishment far harsher, as well as extend punishments to individuals who attempt to assist or support the LGBT community. As I began researching it quickly became clear that every Ugandan citizen is at risk of losing their rights due to corrupt laws such as this one, and that the rights to peaceful assembly and access to information have already been compromised. Uganda’s ruling party, led by President Yoweri Museveni, will do anything to stay in power and keep those who would take it from them out of the way, even if it hurts the citizens they are supposed to protect. I wrote this paper because I want people to know what is happening in Uganda, a country that I love and believe can be far better. The LGBT community shouldn’t have to live in fear of this bill being passed. Nobody should be denied basic human rights because of who they love, and no constituents should suffer because of their government’s corruption. This paper, and the people that I met while researching it, taught me to use all the tools I have to expose and fight injustice.