Ugandan Parliament to Debate “Kill Gays” Bill Dec. 18

by Jim Burroway | Box Turtle Bulletin

The Times of London reports that the Ugandan Parliament will debate the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill tomorrow, Dec 18. If I understand Uganda’s Parliamentary procedures correctly, I believe this would constitute a second reading and debate. A vote comes after the third reading. If it passes (and it is expected to pass with a near-unanimous vote), it then goes to President Yoweri Museveni to be signed into law.

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Hillsborough Won’t Increase Discrimination Protection for Gay Employees

by Mike Salinero | The Tampa Tribune

Commissioner Kevin Beckner’s voice rose today as he realized he would not win his battle to change county policy to ensure all gay and transgender county employees are protected from harassment.

Beckner, the only openly gay commissioner, was livid when Commissioner Jim Norman opposed his motion to include sexual orientation and gender identification as protected classes under the commission’s employment policies.

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Ellen Denounces Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill

A statement from Ellen DeGeneres:

I’m so thankful for the freedoms that we have in this country; the freedom of speech, the freedom to vote and the freedom to love who we want.

And I want to say that what’s happening in Uganda makes me incredibly sad. There’s an “Anti-Gay Bill” that’s proposing to jail homosexuals. They are trying to give life sentences to same-sex couples, and the bill even proposes that they jail anyone who fails to report “gay activity” to the police within 24 hours.

This is a horrible violation of human rights and I can’t believe something like this is being discussed in this day and age.

BBC Slammed for Debating Ugandan Bill to Kill Gays

from the Associated Press

The British Broadcasting Corp. suffered criticism from lawmakers Wednesday for inviting debate on whether homosexuals should face execution in Uganda.

The broadcaster launched an on-line debate over a proposed Ugandan law that would punish some homosexual acts by life imprisonment or death. Legislation being considered in the African country would impose the death penalty on some gay Ugandans, and their family and friends could face up to seven years in jail if they fail to report their homosexuality to authorities.

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NCLR Disappointed in Gutierrez Immigration Bill

NCLR is very disappointed that the newly-introduced Gutierrez immigration bill does not include same-sex couples. When Congress takes up Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2010, it must include LGBT people. No reform is “comprehensive” unless it includes LGBT families. It is unconscionable and unacceptable  to leave our community behind.

Lieberman: DADT Strategy Still Unclear

by Kerry Eleveld | The Advocate

The Advocate caught up with Sen. Joe Lieberman briefly Thursday and he answered several questions about “don’t ask, don’t tell” that indicate just how consuming health care has been. Also, the jury still seems to be out on whether a stand-alone repeal bill will be introduced in the Senate.

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Portuguese Government Aims to Permit Gay Marriage

by Barry Hatton | Associated Press

Portugal’s Socialist government has drawn up a proposal that would make Portugal the sixth European country to allow gay marriage.

The law is almost certain to pass, as the center-left Socialist government has the support of all left-of-center parties, who together have a majority in Parliament. Right-of-center parties oppose the measure.

The proposal changes Portuguese law to remove references to marriage being between two people of different sexes, Cabinet Minister Pedro Silva Pereira told a news conference Thursday, adding the government will send its proposal to lawmakers for a debate, probably in January.

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European Parliament Firmly Denounces Ugandan ‘Anti-Gay’ Bill

from UK Gay News

The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, today adopted a resolution strongly condemning the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009 , a Private Members Bill, said to have the support of the Government, tabled by David Bahati MP in the Ugandan Parliament.

Joining widespread international outcry from the British, French and Swedish governments as well as the White House, the European Parliament officially calls on Ugandan authorities “not to approve the bill and to review their laws to decriminalize homosexuality”.

The resolution reminds the Ugandan government of its legally-binding obligations under international treaties, including the ‘Cotonou Agreement’, as well as its inability to withdraw from ratified international human rights treaties.  The text of the resolution approved by MEPs also calls on the European Commission and Council to reconsider European aid to Uganda should the text pass in the Parliament.

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Fenty to Sign Same-Sex Marriage Bill

by Nikita Stewart | Washington Post

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) said he expects the bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the District to hit his desk Thursday and will probably hold a bill-signing ceremony Friday.

Fenty said the details have not been worked out, but he will give special recognition of his signature.

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