Australia condemns Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Media release

Canberra

12 May 2011

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd today expressed Australia's deep concern over draft laws being considered by the Ugandan Parliament, which propose harsh penalties for a variety of offences related to homosexuality.

The draft 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill' — a private member's Bill originally introduced in 2009 — has been re-introduced for debate in the Ugandan Parliament.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have today spoken to the Ugandan Acting High Commissioner in Canberra to convey Australia's deep concerns about the Bill.

“We have expressed the Government's condemnation of the content of the Bill,” Mr Rudd said.

“I have also instructed our High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, which has responsibility for Uganda, to make similar representations to the Government of Uganda.

“Australia is a global advocate in support of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and will continue to take opportunities through the United Nations and other channels to urge all governments to end such discrimination.”

The Government has raised concerns about the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill with the Government of Uganda on several occasions.

At the 14th Session of the Human Rights Council, in June 2010, Australia urged all States to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and, in particular, to remove criminal penalties, including the death penalty, for offences on the basis of sexual orientation. Australia also co-sponsored the UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity at the UN General Assembly in December 2008.

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