Pastor Names Helpful – and Not So Helpful – Ways to Help LGBT People in Uganda

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Terence

Pastor Joseph Tolton published an op-ed in Religion Dispatches that explained the harm in “hactivism” for LGBT people in Uganda. The op-ed was in reaction to the news that an LGBT supportive group called “Anonymous” had hacked into several African government websites, posting messages of affirmation for LGBT people.

Tolton wrote the op-ed to remind the LGBT community in the United States that action in support for LGBT people in Uganda needs to be done at the direction of, and with the cooperation of the LGBT leaders on the ground in Uganda. The “hactivism” was widely condemned by the major LGBT organizations in Uganda.

Source: GLAAD

Op-Ed: A moment of optimism for LGBT activists in Botswana

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Terence

A landmark case in Botswana has paved the way for lobby groups in other African countries potentially to challenge laws that infringe on their freedoms. The case, brought forward by a civil society grouping fighting for the rights of lesbians, gays and bisexuals, changes the landscape for activism in Botswana and potentially elsewhere. By CAROLINE JAMES.

For many people working in civil society around the world, the threat of a shrinking civic space is very real. It is becoming harder and harder to work effectively due to factors such as decreased funding and increased surveillance. In Africa, one of the main areas of concern is over legislation that seeks to regulate NGOs’ operation – and laws like this are becoming disturbingly commonplace.

In Uganda, activists criticised the adoption of a new law last week which precludes the registration of any organisation that has objectives which would be “prejudicial to the security of Uganda and to the interests of Uganda and the dignity of Ugandans”. Their concern was that the vague wording of this provision creates the potential for abuse, as officials would be empowered to deny registration to organisations which they believe may be contrary to public morality, such as those working for recognition of sexual minorities’ rights.

Source: Daily Maverick

Malawi Catholic Church demands government resumes jailing gays

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Terence

The Catholic Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi have publicly called on the Malawian Government to resume criminalizing members of the LGBTI community and end its moratorium on prosecuting those accused of indulging in gay sex.

The government, under President Joyce Banda, announced that authorities would no longer enforce Malawi’s laws criminalizing same-sex activities so that the country could have a conversation about whether to legalize homosexuality in 2012.

In the meantime Malawi’s High Court has been reviewing the constitutionality of the country’s laws criminalizing LGBTI people for several years but has not yet come to a decision.

However the Catholic Church in Malawi has now had enough and wants the law enforced again, saying the government only suspended the law because of foreign pressure.

Source: Malawi Catholic Church demands government resumes jailing gays – Gay Star News

Holyrood’s intervention regarding LGBTI rights backfires in Ghana

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Terence

The intervention, uncalled for by LGBTI Ghanaians, has caused a backlash against the LGBTI community and a media moral panic against a “homosexual lobby” trying to allegedly tarnish Ghana’s image and force “unAfrican” habits unto the nation.

The Ghanaian leader, John Dramani Mahama, met the First Minister during his tour of Scotland, which will saw him presented with an honorary degree from the University of Aberdeen.

Ms Sturgeon has come under some pressure to raise issues of LGBTI rights with Ghana’s leader, John Dramani Mahama as his visit to Scotland comes against a backdrop of increasing vigilante violence LGBTI people in Ghana. The Kaleidoscope Trust, Amnesty International and, in particular, Patrick Harvie, co-convener of Scottish Green Party called for the First Minister to confront Mahama about LGBTI rights. It has also been reported that opposite leaders of the Scottish parliament have boycotted a meeting with the president.

Source: Kaleidoscot

Vatican’s Cardinal Turkson: ‘Homosexuals Should Not Be Criminalized’ | Bondings 2.0

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Terence

Frank DeBenardo of New Ways Ministry is in Rome for the Family Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. While there, he was able to interview Cardinal Turkson, an African who heads the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and extracted from him two notable statements:

You’ve made a number of statements on criminalization laws which have been interpreted variously? What is your position on criminalizing lesbian and gay people?

My position has had two parts. Homosexuals cannot be criminalized. Neither can any state be victimized. So, let no state criminalize homosexuals, but let no state by victimized. No state should have aid denied because of this.

Last week, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said that African bishops were reluctant to oppose criminalization, but that they were growing in awareness of lesbian and gay people. Do you see African bishops outgrowing their reluctance to oppose criminalization laws soon?

We are all growing in this regard. When we come to meetings like the synod and listen to one another, we learn from one another. We hear bishops telling stories of their relatives’ pain, and we grow.

Source: Bondings 2.0

"Catholic Hierarchy Is a Shining Light in Dark Moment for LGBT Rights in India"

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Terence

India’s Supreme Court reinstated a law that bans homosexuality as a “crime against nature” earlier this week, intensifying divisions between LGBT advocates and the religious communities they blame for this development. Catholic leaders have varied in responding to the Court’s decision, but there are hopeful signs as at least one bishop spoke out against the law.

Outlawing homosexuality in India dates to British colonial rule more than a century ago. Recent legal debates began after a New Delhi court overturned the law in 2009. Anti-LGBT organizations, including faith-based ones, have sought to re-criminalize homosexuality since then. The Supreme Court’s ruling now says it is up to the nation’s legislators to repeal the law if that is what is desired.

The Times of India reports that religious groups have welcomed the ruling, with leaders using extremely homophobic language and advocating “ex-gay therapy” in their statements. Relative to these, Catholic leaders’ remarks have seemed muted and even positive. Archbishop Anil J T Couto of Delhi merely reaffirmed the hierarchy’s position on marriage equality and a spokesperson stated the archdiocese opposed any law that would criminalize homosexuality. Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai is quoted by UCANews.com as saying:

– continue reading at Bondings 2.0.

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