U.S. Ratchets Up Response to Uganda's Antigay Law

Source: The Advocate

U.S. Ratchets Up Response to Uganda's Antigay Law
The White House announced that the State Dept. will prevent some Ugandan officials from entering the U.S., and cut or redirect funds from Uganda's aid package.
BY Thom Senzee
June 19 2014

The White House has just announced additional actions it will take in formal response to Uganda's draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act, which prescribes life in prison for many LGBT people, and lengthy jail terms for anyone who "conspires" to commit homosexuality, or supports, houses, or affirms an LGBT person.

Reuters first broke the news Thursday afternoon that the White House was planning to augment its initial reactions in March and April with additional steps. Shortly thereafter, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden issued a statement outlining those actions.

"As President Obama has stated, the Government of Uganda’s enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act runs counter to universal human rights and complicates our bilateral relationship," Hayden said in a written statement. "We announced in April a series of initial responses, and we have since considered how further to reinforce our support for human rights of all Ugandans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

The new sanctions include the denial of entry into the United States for some Ugandan officials who are known violators of the human rights of LGBT people. Hayden also promised the U.S. would soon be cutting off or "redirecting" some foreign-aid funds to Uganda. Previously, "redirecting of funds" has meant taking specifically purposed money from governmental agencies and giving it to nongovernmental organizations with similar missions.... MORE


Read more: http://www.advocate.com/world/2014/06/19/us-ratchets-response-uganda-antigay-law