The US Embassy in Uganda reports that there is no serious move to bring up the virulently anti-gay bill in the Ugandan Parliament. The Petrelis File blog reports:
Thank you for your message to Assistant Secretary Carson. I understand he advised you that the Embassy would provide you with additional details on the bill in question. I hope you find this message useful.
Contrary to some press reports, we are not aware of any serious move to reintroduce the bill in the Ugandan Parliament as of this writing. That said, Members of Parliament do have the right to introduce legislation at any time if they follow the proper protocol. According to Ugandan law, a bill must be read into the record twice before being voted on to ensure time for proper debate. Therefore, the Embassy, other donor nations, citizens, and concerned non-governmental organizations expect to have ample time to react and be heard, should the bill actually be put before parliament for a final vote. Needless to say, the Embassy is keeping a very close eye on any developments.
It is our position that democratic governments are responsible for protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens, including minority populations. The Ugandan judiciary has reaffirmed this principle in several recent rulings, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission determined that the Anti-homosexuality Bill violated the Ugandan Constitution and international law.
We continue to urge Uganda to protect and respect the rights of all its citizens.
(From Daniel A. Travis US pubic affairs officer in Uganda)