President Obama’s administration is taking action after the Government of Uganda’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA).
NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden released a statement saying the AHA “runs counter to universal human rights and complicates our bilateral relationship.”
They announced some initial responses in April, and are now going further to support the human rights of all Ugandans, regardless of sexual orientation.
Here’s an excerpt of Hayden’s statement:
“Specifically, the Department of State is taking measures to prevent entry into the United States by certain Ugandan officials involved in serious human rights abuses, including against LGBT individuals. In addition, the United States will take steps, consistent with current authorities, to prevent entry into the United States by Ugandans who are found responsible for significant public corruption. We are also discontinuing or redirecting funds for certain additional programs involving the Ugandan Police Force, Ministry of Health, and National Public Health Institute, and cancelling plans to hold a U.S. military-sponsored aviation exercise in Uganda.
None of these steps diminishes our commitment to providing development and humanitarian support for the Ugandan people, or our partnership with the Ugandan government to counter the murderous Lord’s Resistance Army and improve security in Africa. We will seek to advance these interests even as we continue—in Uganda and around the world—to oppose discriminatory practices and champion human rights for all.”
