Uganda Monitor: Can We Talk Honestly About Homosexuality?
The National Monitor addresses what may now be a pressing national debate for Uganda.
Notwithstanding an earlier assertion that we might question, since it's not yet at all clear why this murder took place (which means that the following is a bit of a non-sequiter)
I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree. Proper debate is good. That means that we neither give way to the bigots who attack people on the basis of their behaviour, nor do we kowtow to the unreasonable demands of the social liberals who really don't have any desire for "conversation" either. (Can I hear a "listening process"?!)
That would be a hard middle-ground to find but surely it's worth pursuing?
What we need is an honest national dialogue on homosexuality in order to forge a consensus on the rights of those Ugandans who choose to be gay and those who oppose homosexuality as a lifestyle.
Holding puritanical and extreme views on the matter, whether liberal or conservative, will divide us, rather than help us find a mutually acceptable compromise.
People like David Kato and others who might be gay are Ugandans and enjoy the same rights and protections of the law as heterosexuals. We cannot send them into exile neither, lock them away, or hang them.
We need to have an honest discussion about how to ensure that their rights are upheld without violating the rights of other Ugandans.
Peaceful and stable societies only emerge when we understand and try to accommodate those who are different from us, or who disagree with us – not by ostracising or killing them.
Notwithstanding an earlier assertion that we might question, since it's not yet at all clear why this murder took place (which means that the following is a bit of a non-sequiter)
Police say they are investigating the circumstances of his death and it is not yet clear whether this was a homophobic attack in which Mr Kato was targeted for his sexual orientation or his thoughts about the matter.
Whatever the motive behind the killing, this incident reminds us of the homophobia that is widespread in our country and society – and the deadly consequences of not dealing with it.
I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree. Proper debate is good. That means that we neither give way to the bigots who attack people on the basis of their behaviour, nor do we kowtow to the unreasonable demands of the social liberals who really don't have any desire for "conversation" either. (Can I hear a "listening process"?!)
That would be a hard middle-ground to find but surely it's worth pursuing?
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