Zenit.org has published the full English-language address that Pope Benedict XVI delivered in writing upon receiving the new ambassador from Uganda to the Holy See, Francis K. Butagira. The address is full of empty-sounding niceties and invocation of God’s blessings upon the people of Uganda, but the Pope’s silence on the Kill-the-Gays Bill is DEAFENING. The address draws attention to Uganda’s “steady economic growth”, “provision of clean drinking water for all”, its “struggle against corruption”, and the “campaign of violence in the north of the country has devastated large areas”. Unfortunately, nothing in the 690-word address mentions the violence of Uganda’s proposed anti-homosexuality bill which will subject LGBT Ugandans to a minimum sentence of life imprisonment, plus a death sentence if they are found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality”.
We take umbrage with this particular line in the Pope’s address to the ambassador:
Likewise the climate of freedom and respect in your nation towards the Catholic Church has allowed her to be faithful to her proper mission.
This statement, now touted in the Ugandan press as the Pope’s commendation of Uganda, is a slap in the face to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of Uganda!
Last week, the Vatican’s legal attaché, the Reverend Philip J Bene, told the press that the Pope is opposed to ‘unjust discrimination’ against gay men and lesbians. We think he must have been mistaken because if that were true, we saw ZERO evidence of it in the above-mentioned address. The Pope had an excellent opportunity to register his disapproval of Uganda’s Kill-the-Gays Bill, and he chose NOT to use it.
If and when the bill comes to pass, the Pope will have blood on his hands. Maybe we should have put him up on our Hall of Shame after all?
Join us in this group: Say No to Uganda’s Kill-the-Gays Bill! [Log-in is required.]
5 Responses
February 26th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
they shud b able to love who they want when they want.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:03 am
So uh… As a MtF transgender pre op. As a girl with a penis where would I fit in? O_o
March 7th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Very moving life story, and very inspiring how you fight for the change you want to see in the world. I wish you all the best for your future and your IRQR will grow even more in the future!
March 7th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
he is always play and advetise about himself i am iranianan gay in isparta turkey i got in horrible problems but he do not care about this at all be honest with your self
March 8th, 2010 at 6:16 am
I am very sorry to hear that Hassan, and of course I dont know anything about your situation or relationhsip.
But ragarding the advertisement I have to say that this is a very necessary step to gain awareness for any help organization. People need to hear a story in order to understand. And I guess that is why Arsham is telling his. I hope that interviews like this will help him get more awareness and raise more money to help even more people including you in the future.
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