IDAHOTB » Uganda

Uganda Minister Cracks Down on IDAHOTB event

Joel Bedos — Sun, 20 May 2018 07:33:00 +0000

Uganda is one of the deadliest places in the world to be LGBTQ, however brave activists still fight for their right to a peaceful life.

On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Sexual Minorities Uganda were holding an event as part of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance’s PITCH programme.

The PITCH programme aims to build up the capacity of local civil society organisations in order for them to advocate for equal rights and for services to gain access to HIV treatment for those affected by the disease.

However, before the event was able to start, Ugandan police closed it down, on the orders of Uganda’s Minster for Ethics and Integrity, Simon Lokodo. This is the eighth time the state has shut down or interfered with an LGBTQ-related event in the past two years.

Under the Ugandan Constitution, the rights and freedoms of all citizens should be protected. However, many Ugandan officials operate under British colonial era laws which criminalised homosexuality.

Christine Stegling, the executive director for the HIV / AIDS Alliance said: “We strongly condemn the actions of the Ugandan government, which are a blatant disregard for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

“The discrimination and stigma LGBTI people face in Uganda affect all areas of their life, including their right to access health services and is a major driver of the HIV epidemic within this community.”

Richard Lusimbo, a research and documentation officer at Sexual Minorities Uganda said: “Intimidation and threats from government officials make it so difficult for civil society to even reach out to their constituents.

“We should be independent and supplementing the work of government, but government is doing everything possible to hinder the work of civil society, which is a huge violation of our rights.

“Access to HIV services are greatly affected, both for testing and getting on treatment. People are scared they will face discrimination in clinics and be chased away. And the service providers are in a difficult situation, because they never know if their premises will be raided by the police.”

Lusimbo added: “The minister of ethics’ actions are gross. His portfolio is clear – to look into ethics and integrity – and what he is doing is the complete opposite.

“He should be focusing on ensuring people have access to quality services and information, tackling corruption, and ensuring all people’s right to associate and assemble. Instead, he is breaking the law with impunity.”

Dr. Frank Mugisha, the executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, further added: “We will not be intimidated. As members of Uganda’s LGBTI community, it is important to remain steadfast and resilient in the demand for the respect of our human rights and dignity, especially in the face of adversity.”

Homophobia is rife in Uganda. In 2011, David Kato, who was a gay rights activist and advocacy officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda was bludgeoned to death in his home after winning a court battle against a tabloid which called for homosexuals to be killed.

And just last month, Ugandan politicians signalled their support for bringing back harsher anti-LGBTQ laws. Currently, people convicted of same-sex activity are sentenced to a life in prison, but if the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014 was brought back, then the punishment would be death.

IDAHOT 2017 country page: Uganda

IDAHO — Tue, 16 May 2017 16:36:27 +0000

IDAHOT Report 2016: Uganda

IDAHO — Sun, 29 May 2016 12:40:22 +0000

Despite the widespread persecution of the LGBT community in Uganda, members of the LGBT community bravely held a small pride event in celebration of IDAHOT 2016. The event saw around 300 individuals in attendance and is believed to be the largest pride event ever held in the county.

As well as a celebration of gender and sexual diversity, the event also featured talks on discrimination and stigma and the chance for members of the LGBT community and their allies to meet and discussion various issues.

For more information on this event please click here.

IDAHOT Events 2015: Discussing Legal and Health Issues in Uganda

IDAHO — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:26:16 +0000

In commemoration of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) in Uganda, Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), in conjunction with Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), hosted this year’s IDAHOT event under the theme” Ending violence and discrimination against LGBT people in Uganda” on Friday 15th May 2015. Additionally, in Entebbe LGBTQI activists celebrated IDAHOT at Lake Victoria

We are still busy collecting information on this year’s IDAHOT activities and are waiting to hear back from activists and event organisers. If you have information to share with us, please write us at contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org

Report by FARUG:

In celebration of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG) in conjunction with Sexual Minorities Uganda hosted the Uganda’s 2015 edition of the IDAHOT.

The theme for this year’s IDAHOT was Ending Violence and Discrimination.FARUG’s 2015 IDAHOT event edition featured articles, poems, artwork and photographs by LGBT people from various LGBTI organizations in Uganda. The event was used both as a celebration and as a call to action against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.It also provided a forum where LGBTI people from various LGBTI organizations and spaces in Uganda were able to share their experiences about being part of the LGBTI community in Uganda.

The executive director of Freedom and Roam Uganda, Joanita Warry Ssenfuka who gave the welcoming remarks had this to say about IDAHOT

“As we celebrate the lives of all fallen comrades due to Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I call upon all Ugandans and especially the religious fundamentalists to put an end to hate towards LGBTI persons as they could be your friends, brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers. Uganda would be a better place if LGBTI people were not treated with hate but rather with the respect they deserve. We are harmless “TETULINABUZIBU”

Although IDAHOT was a time for celebration, it was also a time to remember that the price of freedom of expression for many can be very high, and can even include death. In this accord, FARUG remembered the life of the Late David Kato a gay rights activist who was murdered at his home in Mukono and prayed for the LGBTI persons who have been victims of violence and persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or for daring to speak their truth.

Representatives from Chapter4, Human Rights Awareness and Promotional forum (HRAPF) and Most at Risk Population Initiative(MARPI) spoke about the importance of solidarity within civil society, support of vulnerable groups, and the growing strength of the LGBT movement in our common struggle for peace and human rights in Uganda.

Shawn Mugisha from HRAPF had this to say about the NGO bill “We challenged the Anti-homosexuality bill in 2014, the NGO bill found us stronger than ever”

Nicholas Opiyo, Chapterfour Uganda: “While we use this auspicious occasion to register our condemnation of all forms of violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, we must also celebrate our resilience and courage. Throughout difficult moments, you all have not despaired. You have not resigned to violence and discrimination. You continue to reject violence and discriminations against LGBT people as un-civilized, unlawful and against the conscience of all human society.”

Richard Lusimbo an LGBTI activist: “We protest today against every injustice LGBTI people are forced to face in this country. We pray for our fallen LGBT brothers and sisters and for those who are violated and killed every day”.

Besides these informative dialogues from our partner legal service providers, the event also hosted a Voluntary counseling and testing session for HIV/AIDS and STIs which was spearheaded and coordinated by MARPI, a health service provider for most at risk populations. The participants were taken through a one on one session on their sexual and reproductive health concerns. The event was concluded by entertainment and refreshments with the participants, allies and partners.

In a nutshell, holding such an event in a country that is surrounded by utmost homophobia and persecution of LGBTI persons is a light shining at the end of our tunnel. Like Hillary Clinton, presidential aspirant for US presidency once said, LIKE BEING A RACIAL, TRIBAL OR ETHNIC MINORITY, BEING LGBT DOES NOT MAKE YOU LESS HUMAN.AND THAT IS WHY GAY RIGHTHS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS,AND HUMAN RIGHTS ARE GAY RIGHTS.

Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG) is a women’s rights organization that advocates for and addresses issues of lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and intersex(LBTI) and women sleeping with women in Uganda.

An inspiring IDAHOT/Pride event took place in Entebbe on the banks of Lake Victoria in Uganda. The event was organised by a grassroots LGBT group called Youth on Rock Foundation and co sponsored by Rainbow International LGBT Activist Solidarity Fund, SMUG Sexual Minorities Uganda, and UHAI East African Sexual Health Rights Initiative.

With 240 people attending the event this was the biggest IDAHOT event ever held to date in Uganda. Due to safety issues only few photos were taken. Sadly, virulently anti-LGBT newspapers in Uganda regularly publish photos of LGBT people to out them publicly and deliberately ruin lives, resulting in evictions, job losses, and attacks.

Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Law Struck Down

IDAHO — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 11:01:03 +0000

Today there is cause for celebration for defenders of LGBTI rights, democracy and human rights in Uganda – and around the world – as Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law has just been dramatically struck down as unconstitutional by the country’s highest court (Friday, August 1).

The case has been being heard by the Constitutional Court since Tuesday (July 29), brought by a team of pro-democracy campaigners, who argued the law was pushed through Parliament in December 2013 in an unconstitutional way – without quorum (enough MPs present to make it valid).

Today the Court ruled in favour of the petitioners, finding the government guilty of breaking constitutional rules.

This meant that other grounds on which petitioners were preparing to fight (freedom of expression, right to privacy, non-discrimination) did not even have to be heard as the law was struck down on this issue alone.

Sexual Minorities Uganda Director and one of the petitioners, Frank Mugisha, tweeted after the leaving the court room:

Still in celebration mood safely made it out of court amidst crowd of journalists & demos' by anti gay groups – UG anti gay law nullified

— Dr. Frank Mugisha (@frankmugisha) August 1, 2014

Well-known Ugandan LGBTI and human rights defender, Jacqueline Kasha, also took to twitter in celebration, affirming: “I am no longer criminal today. We have made history for generations to come.”

FINAL JUDGEMENT: Iam nolonger http://t.co/ekOD5G8eQO we have made history for generations to come.speak OUT now. #AHA scraped.EXCRUCIATING.

— Kasha Jacqueline (@KashaJacqueline) August 1, 2014

Prof. Sheila Tlou, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, and Former Minister of Health of Botswana, also joined a chorus of positive reactions across the region, declaring the ruling a “Great victory for justice”.

#Great victory for Justice:# Uganda #Constitutional Court declares #AHA ( Anti Homosexuality) Bill #unconstitutional. Zero discrimin..

— Prof. Sheila Tlou (@_dinotshe) August 1, 2014

As the dust begins to settle, LGBTI and human rights campaigners in Uganda are also bracing themselves for a backlash. The possibility still stands that the Ugandan government can appeal the ruling, or that they could reintroduce the law into Parliament again. Pastor Martin Ssempa, one of the chief backers of the law, has already affirmed on national television that “we will appeal to the Supreme Court”.

According to one local media report, President Museveni is already planning a press conference for tomorrow, following pressure from supporters of the law.

Right now, however, celebration is in the air.

And whatever the final outcome, today’s decision will surely stand as a one-in-a-generation victory for defenders of LGBTI and human rights, and democracy, in Uganda.

IDAHOT Report 2014: Uganda

IDAHO — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 17:00:53 +0000

Uganda

Despite harsh crackdowns on freedoms of expression, assembly and association for LGBTI communities in Uganda over the past months, various actions still took place for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014.

One group released a brief statement outlining some actions in Uganda around May 17, and calling for solidarity:

“As part of IDAHOT celebrations today, a team of three is visiting 5 major police stations today on a friendly ground to discuss and denounce their military actions on the LGBTI persons of Uganda. We hope by the end of this process, we shall identify the friendly and positive stations that can respond during crisis in terms of mob justice, eviction, arrest and other aspects of human rights violations. We also intend to tell them about 17th May being an international recognized day against homophobia and transphobia. A report will be issued shortly. We wish you the best day and please wherever you are, aim at creating change and pray for Uganda.”

International groups focus on LGBTI rights abuses in Uganda

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International issued a joint press release on May 15, based on research amongst LGBTI communities in Uganda. The report documents an increase in violence, as well as arbitrary arrests, evictions, police abuse and extortion, loss of employment and homelessness against LGBTI individuals in the country, since the Anti-Homosexuality Law was passedon December 20, 2013.

The release can be read in full here.

We are awaiting further reports from local groups.

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill Now Law

IDAHO — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:34:47 +0000

Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, has today signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law – a draconian instrument, roundly condemned by Ugandan and international human rights defenders, observers and institutions.

The law significantly toughens existing legislation, which already outlaws same sex relationships between men. First-time offenders, found guilty of homosexual acts, could now face up to 14 years in jail. Life imprisonment has also been brought in as penalty for acts of ‘aggravated homosexuality’.

Lesbian and bisexual women are covered by the bill for the first time.

The law also makes it a crime for others not to report those they suspect of engaging in same sex acts – effectively institutionalising a culture of everyday surveillance around non-heterosexual relationships, and clamping down on the possibility ot free expression of identity, and of dissent.

‘The law criminalises the “promotion” and even the mere “recognition” of homosexual relations “through or with the support of any government entity in Uganda or any other non-governmental organisation inside or outside the country”,’ reports BBC World.

When it was first tabled in 2009, the bill originally proposed the death penalty for some same sex acts – measures which were later removed after international outrcy.

LGBTI activists say they will challenge the new laws in court. The law has been condemned by LGBTI and human rights groups and institutions as inconsistent with the values ensrinhed in the Ugandan Constitution, which explicitly includes universal respect of the right to freedom of expression.

It also remains to be seen how the new law may actually play out, in a context in which anti-LGBTI laws are most often used to ‘persecute’ rather than actually ‘prosecute’ LGBTI individuals.

A research report released on January 15, 2014, by Ugandan human rights groups, the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) and the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CSCHRCL), for example, revealed that (then) existing laws criminalising same sex conduct in Uganda were ‘not being used to prosecute but rather to persecute LGBTI and suspected LGBTI persons in Uganda’.

Stand by for updates and action alerts.

Kenyan Activist and IDAHO Board Member, Muthoni Wanyeki, Reacts on Uganda Law

IDAHO — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 14:34:47 +0000

Misogyny and homophobia

By L. Muthoni Wanyeki

Photo: Activists attend first pride march in Kampala, Uganda, 2012. Source [EPA]

The year comes to an end on a frightening note across the region. Kenya’s descent into fascism is not masked by its grand infrastructure plans. South Sudan’s erstwhile allies in government are back to the battlefield—mutually targeting not each others’ soldiers but ordinary citizens of ethnicities believed to be politically supportive of either side. Then there is Uganda.

The Ugandan parliament last week passed two bills into law—the Anti-Pornography and the Anti-Homosexuality bills. On the surface, the Anti-Homosexuality bill purports to address legitimate societal problems. The sexual abuse of minors, for example. Or the conscious and deliberate infection of others with HIV.

The sexual abuse of minors, however, is already covered by existing legislation. What to do with those who consciously and deliberately infect others with HIV is a matter of heated debate. Even though several states, Kenya included, now criminalise the same, the determination of ‘conscious’ and ‘deliberate’ is difficult. Especially when two consenting adults are involved who, in this day and age, cannot be unaware of the risks of having unprotected sex.

The utility of the two bills in addressing legitimate societal problems is thus obviously questionable. To be frank, addressing those legitimate societal problems is just a fig leaf for the promotion of hatred and intolerance. Of women and their sexuality on the one hand. Of anybody who is not heterosexual and their sexuality on the other hand.

The Anti-Pornography bill imposes a dress code for women. No mini-skirts. No clothing that exposes parts of the body deemed sexually explicit—breasts, buttocks, thighs. God forbid that women should have the right to choose how to express and present themselves to the world. Women clearly cannot be trusted to make their own choices about expression and presentation—the state has to make those choices for them. The bill is thus an unacceptable attempt to control and constrain women and their bodies.

That is the first affront. The second is the affront caused by the fact that those body parts are also functional. Those body parts are often only imbued with sexuality in the eyes of the beholders. But it is not the perverted eyes of the beholders to blame. No. It is the women to blame.

We are back to the pre-historic notion that men only see women sexually. That they’re incapable of looking at women and appreciating what they see without going off into paroxysms of ‘corrupt morals’ and ‘indecent acts and behaviour.’ No. Because men apparently have no self-control and blame women for being ‘corrupting’ influences that spark ‘indecency,’ women must conduct themselves not as they feel, but in relation to men’s gaze. Presumably this means no more breast-feeding by mothers in public. God forbid that feeding babies might be deemed in the eyes of some perverted beholder as erotic behaviour.

The Anti-Homosexuality bill is even worse. The death sentence initially proposed for repeated ‘homosexual’ acts or ‘homosexual’ acts with minors or by those who happen to be HIV+ was replaced with life imprisonment. What, in fact, are ‘homosexual’ acts? Do heterosexuals not also have anal sex? And perform oral sex? Are such heterosexuals to be punished by life imprisonment too? What is meant by ‘repeat’ offenders? We all—heterosexual and homosexual—cannot be other than we are. If we like and are attracted to men or women, one of the few pleasures in life is to be sexual with them—as often as possible. God forbid that gay men or lesbians be allowed to share in that pleasure. That would be ‘repeat offending.’

God forbid too that gay men and women find and support one another in understanding what their sexual orientation is. Or that they try to educate the public as to the same. For the bill also makes it an offense to ‘promote’ homosexuality—as though sexual orientation is not simply a given of everybody’s biology. The bill goes further—it has the audacity to propose it is an offense for Ugandans not to report on gay men and lesbians. This is the sort of thing that was meant to have gone out with the break-up of the Berlin wall. The use of citizens by the state to spy and inform on one another. The opening of new channels for blackmail and extortion. It’s sick.

Both bills are unbelievable. They will affect Ugandan women’s freedom of expression. They will affect the rights of Ugandan gay men and lesbians to equality and anti-discrimination. They will turn all Ugandans into spies for the ‘morality’ police. They are counter to the Ugandan Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They are about hate and intolerance. Of women. And of gay men and lesbians.

The only hope now lies in two facts. First, the Anti-Homosexuality bill was passed without the requisite quorum. Second, the Ugandan President needs to assent to them. Let us pray the Ugandan President does the right thing—for all Ugandan citizens, including Ugandan women and Uganda’s gay men and women. Not the wrong thing proposed by those who clearly do not grasp the basic notion that the state has no business trying to legislate ‘morality.’ Particularly when that so-called ‘morality’ is misogynist and homophobic, hateful and intolerant.

L. Muthoni Wanyeki is doing her doctoral studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, the United Kingdom (UK). This article was originally published at the East African, here.

Uganda’s Second Ever Pride Parade Goes Ahead Peacefully

IDAHO — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 14:34:47 +0000

Between 200 and 300 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people attended a pride parade on Saturday (August 3), in the highlight of Kampala’s week-long Pride Festival. The event proceeded peacefully in only the second time that a pride parade has been held in the country.

Since 2009, when the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was first introduced in the national parliament, Uganda has repeatedly made international news headlines regarding institutionalised homophobia, the extent of violence against LGBT communities, and the passage of the so-called ‘Kill the Gays’ bill. The bill currently remains under review, after briefly re-surfacing in early 2013.

One recent study, by Pew Research, found that 96% of the population think that homosexuality should not be accepted in Ugandan society.

Last year the country’s first ever pride parade was broken up by police, and various arrests were made. “That success gave us confidence that we can do it… We are getting more confident as time goes by,” explained activist Kelly Mukwano.

This year the police gave permission for the parade to go ahead beforehand, and the authorities did not intervene. The parade was held 30km from the capital, in the coastal city of Entebbe. It was held in a beachside botanical garden and the parade route was shortened this year. Six police officers were present to avoid potential confrontations.

Reports the Voice of America: ‘According to Sandra Ntebi, who handles security for the gay and lesbian community, the number of activists has also been growing. “We have more energy than three or five years back when the bill had just been tabled and everyone was running,” Ntebi said. “We were not feeling that we really deserved to stay in our own country. But most of us have decided to come back on the ground and we fight for our rights from home.”

There is no question that being homosexual in Uganda is still difficult. Police regularly break up events held by the gay and lesbian community, and homosexuals are often disowned by their families and shunned by friends. Violence and intimidation occur on a regular basis.

But Mukwano insists that the situation in Uganda has been exaggerated in the international media, and that there are plenty of countries that are worse. “People are dying in Ethiopia,” Mukwano said. “People are dying elsewhere in the world. In Jamaica, people are being beaten all the time because they are gay. So I think that was over-exaggerating that Uganda is the worst place to be gay.”’

Participants in Saturday’s second ever Ugandan Pride Parade. Source: Pink News.

Uganda’s 5-day pride festival, co-ordinated by the Uganda Pride Committee, was held from July 31 – August 4, 2013.

Organisers advised in a press release published in the lead-up to events (July 25): ‘We believe this year will be memorable. We have moved from the worries and pressure that comes with organizing an event for the first time and with the help of community members’ suggestions, we intend to give you a safe and great pride experience. We cannot forget about the hardships LGBTI persons endure on a daily basis across this country, and the world…It will be a celebration of acceptance, love and community togetherness.’

Highlights from this weeks events included showings of the movies God Loves Uganda and Call Me Kuchu, an official opening red carpet cocktail and dinner party, different theme parties, and a cultural gala. Most activities were held in the ‘pride grounds’ where different organisations exhibited and promoted their work, throughout the week. Bishop Christopher Senyonjo was the parade’s grand marshal.

This year’s pride events were held under the theme ‘Still here, Still going strong’.
For more information please see:

Voice of America: ‘Second Annual Gay Pride Parade Held in Uganda‘
76 Crimes: ‘In a small step forward, Ugandan pride parade is peaceful‘
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Blog: ‘Filmmaker’s arrest signals limits to Uganda coverage’
Pride Uganda Blog: ‘Pride Uganda 2013: Still here, Still going strong‘

Main Photo: Voice of America.

Judge Rules Case Against Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively Should Proceed

IDAHO — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 14:34:47 +0000

In a landmark precedent, a federal US judge has ruled that the case against prominent anti-gay extremist Scott Lively, brought by the Center for Constitutional Rights on behalf of a Ugandan sexual and human rights group should proceed. Justice Michael Ponsor ruled that persecution on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity constitutes a crime against humanity, and confirmed that the fundamental human rights of LGBTI people, worldwide, are enshrined in international law.

Photo Source: Youtube

LGBT activists from around the world have celebrated the ruling which, in no uncertain terms, confirms the right of non-US citizens to have these sorts of cases heard in US courtrooms. Highlights from the ruling (which can be downloaded and read in full here) include the opinion that the defendant’s “alleged actions in planning and managing a campaign of repression in Uganda from the United States are analogous to a terrorist designing and manufacturing a bomb in this country, which he then mails to Uganda with the intent that it explode there.”

The media release by the Center for Constitutional Rights now follows:

August 14, 2013, Springfield, MA – Today, in a first-of-its kind case brought by a Ugandan LGBTI advocacy organization against a prominent U.S. anti-gay extremist, a federal judge ruled that persecution on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a crime against humanity and that the fundamental human rights of LGBTI people are protected under international law. The ruling means that the case brought by the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) on behalf of Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG), a Uganda-based coalition of LGBTI rights and advocacy groups, can move forward over defendant Scott Lively’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.

“Widespread, systematic persecution of LGBTI people constitutes a crime against humanity that unquestionably violates international norms,” said Judge Michael Ponsor. “The history and current existence of discrimination against LGBTI people is precisely what qualifies them as a distinct targeted group eligible for protection under international law. The fact that a group continues to be vulnerable to widespread, systematic persecution in some parts of the world simply cannot shield one who commits a crime against humanity from liability.”

The lawsuit alleges that Lively’s actions over the past decade, in collaboration with key Ugandan government officials and religious leaders, are responsible for depriving LGBTI Ugandans of their fundamental human rights based solely on their identity, which is the definition of persecution under international law and is deemed a crime against humanity. This effort bore fruit most notably in the introduction of the notorious Anti-Homosexuality Bill (aka the Kill the Gays bill), which Lively helped engineer.

Lively has also been active in countries like Russia where a new law criminalizing gay rights advocacy was recently passed. In 2007, Lively toured 50 cities in Russia recommending some of the measures that are now law.

“Today’s ruling is a significant victory for human rights everywhere but most especially for LGBTI Ugandans who are seeking accountability from those orchestrating our persecution,” said Frank Mugisha, the director of SMUG.

Said CCR Attorney Pam Spees, “We are gratified that the court recognized the persecution and the gravity of the danger faced by our clients as a result of Scott Lively’s actions. Lively’s single-minded campaign has worked to criminalize their very existence, strip away their fundamental rights and threaten their physical safety.”

U.S. law allows foreign citizens to sue for violations of international law in U.S. federal courts under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). The case, Sexual Minorities Uganda v. Lively, was originally filed in federal court in Springfield, MA, in March 2012. Today’s ruling is here. For more information, visit CCR’s case page.

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change. Visit www.ccrjustice.org; follow @theCCR.