U.S. Senators Urge Uganda To Scrap Anti-Gay Law

(NewsCore) - The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee urged Ugandan lawmakers Tuesday to defeat an anti-gay bill whose drastic punishments have drawn tough international condemnation.

The panel approved by voice vote a symbolic resolution that "calls on members of the Parliament in Uganda to reject the 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill'" and urges "governments of all countries to reject and repeal" similar laws.

The resolution, authored by Democratic Senator Russ Feingold, also urges U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to "closely monitor human rights abuses that occur because of sexual orientation and to encourage the repeal or reform" of laws or regulations "that permit such abuses."

The bill would criminalize public discussion of homosexuality and could penalize an individual who knowingly rents property to a homosexual.

It also calls for the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" in cases involving a minor or where one partner is HIV-positive.

Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, punishable by life imprisonment in some instances.