Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
United Press International - August 24, 2007
Human Rights Watch is calling on the Ugandan government to end homophobic statements and ensure full integration of issues of sexual orientation and gender identity into nationwide HIV prevention and care programs.
In a letter to President Yoweri Museveni, the group said the government needs to repeal its colonial-era sodomy law.
"Harassing rights defenders and silencing discussion of sexuality threaten more than freedom -- they threaten life," HRW researcher Cano Nieto said Thursday in a news release. "State homophobia and well-funded fanaticism are undermining UgandaÆs efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS."
UgandaÆs Radio One this week said Deputy Attorney General Fred Ruhindi has called for enforcement of the country's anti-gay laws.
"I call upon the relevant agencies to take appropriate action because homosexuality is an offense under the laws of Uganda," he reportedly said. "The penal code in no uncertain terms punishes homosexuality and other unnatural offenses."
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