Speak Out on Behalf of LGBT Ugandans

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Uganda urgently need our help.

In a country where homosexuality is already illegal, where violent attacks are common and rape is used to 'cure' people of their sexual orientation – a shocking new law has been proposed that would make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment or even death.

In addition to punishing LGBT individuals, the bill would imprison people who know someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and doesn't report them to the government.  This would have chilling effects not just on the freedom of Ugandans, but on the ability of non-profit organizations to combat the spread of AIDS and do other important development work.

You may have heard about this story already. The legislation was filed in October, and Rabbi Susan wrote an Op Ed about it in the Jewish Light in December (click here to read).

Now, Uganda's Parliament is about to return to session.  We need Congress to speak out vocally against this legislation to stop Uganda from making a bad bill law.

Please contact Senator McCaskill, Senator Bond, and your U.S. Representative and tell them:

"I want Congress to speak out against Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill."

The best way to contact your elected officials is through a personal phone call or e-mail.  You can find their contact information at http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/.

Or, you can send an automatic e-mail through the Human Rights Campaign website here.

Want to do more?

American Jewish World Service, which has long-term relationships with grassroots organizations in Uganda, has started a fund to collect money for Ugandan organizations fighting this legislation.  Learn more and donate here.