Support of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law Unconscionable
NEW YORK – American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, condemns the election of Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa, as President of the United Nations General Assembly. Mr. Kutesa supported Uganda’s draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act, a discriminatory law that singles out lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people for punishment.
“I am saddened and deeply disappointed that the United Nations elected Mr. Kutesa as president of its General Assembly,” said Ruth Messinger, president of AJWS. “As Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Kutesa supported the enactment of the draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law that subjects LGBT people to life imprisonment and criminalizes the promotion of human rights for LGBT people. Those who support discrimination and state-sanctioned hate have no place leading an organization dedicated to promoting peace, security and human rights around the world. I urge the United Nations to stand up for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people worldwide by reviewing Mr. Kutesa’s participation in the promotion and implementation of Uganda’s unconscionable Anti-Homosexuality Act.”
“If Mr. Kutesa wants to be taken seriously as president of the General Assembly of the United Nations, he must recant his support for Uganda’s anti-LGBT law and commit fully to a core belief of the United Nations that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
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