Sen. Kerry finally speaks out against the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill

After a disturbing period of silence from Massachusetts Senator John Kerry (who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee), the senator has finally joined much of the political and international communities in speaking out against the AHB.

Uganda's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill (AHB) will be heard before the Ugandan Parliament next week.

The bill, or the "Kill the Gays Bill," as it's been labeled in some areas of the country, levees the death penalty against Ugandans who are reported to be HIV-positive. If passed, the bill will also penalize companies and non-governmental organizations that support LGBT rights.

After a disturbing period of silence from Massachusetts Senator John Kerry (who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee), the senator has finally joined much of the political and international communities in speaking out against the AHB.

"I join many voices in the United States, Uganda and around the world in condemning Uganda's draft legislation imposing new and harsher penalties against homosexuality. Discrimination in any form is wrong, and the United States must say so unequivocally," Kerry said in a public statement. "Many Ugandans are voicing concern that such a law will create witch-hunts against homosexuals, and hinder the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over the years the United States government, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has worked closely with Ugandans to combat HIV/AIDS and other public health issues; we value our relationship with Uganda's people. Given the pressing HIV/AIDS crisis Uganda is facing, this bill is extremely counterproductive."

The statement made no mention of Kerry's plans to withhold federal aid if the bill passes.

Several international political figures -- including Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the French government, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Amnesty International, and the United States Embassy -- have publicly denounced the bill.

Surprisingly, longtime enemy of the gays Exodus International, a Christian organization offering services to make gay people straight, has stated their opposition to the AHB. Even evangelical Pastor Rick Warren, a former affiliate of Ugandan pastor Martin Ssempa (who supports the bill) has come out against the AHB.

The "Kill the Gays Bill" has garnered much American media attention thanks, in large part, to out newscaster Rachel Maddow (MSNBC), who has been continually reporting on the bill under the headline "Uganda be kidding me."

Currently, homosexuality in Uganda is criminalized as being "against the laws of nature." Those found breaking the law can face life imprisonment. The campaign against LGBT Ugandans has already led to death threats and physical assaults. If the bill passes, those who are aware of a person's HIV status or sexuality but who choose not to report it to the government could face up to three years in prison.