Uganda President Seeks More Scientific Input on Homosexuality

Jim Burroway

February 21st, 2014

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni seems to be looking for a way out of the mess. A statement by Museveni appeared in Uganda’s Observer this morning justifying his previous announcement that he would sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill based on the “scientific” was provided to him by members of the Ministry of Health and Makarere University. Now, he says he needs more information:

I have now received their signed document, which says there is no single gene that has been traced to cause homosexuality.  What I want them to clarify is whether a combination of genes can cause anybody to be homosexual.  Then my task will be finished and I will sign the Bill.

After my statement to that effect which was quoted widely around the World, I got reactions from some friends from outside Africa.  Statements like: “it is a matter of choice” or “whom they love” which President Obama repeated in his statement would be most furiously rejected by almost the entirety of our people.

It cannot be a matter of choice for a man to behave like a woman or vice-versa.  The argument I had pushed was that there could be people who are born like that or “who they are”, according to President Obama’s statement.

I, therefore, encourage the US government to help us by working with our Scientists to study whether, indeed, there are people who are born homosexual.  When that is proved, we can review this legislation.

I would be among those who will spearhead that effort.  That is why I had refused to sign the Bill until my premise was knocked down by the position of our Scientists.

His statement also directly addresses President Barack Obama’s condemnation of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, in particular Obama’s warning that signing it would “complicate our valued relationship.” That particular line seems to have gotten his attention.

This statement would appear to contradict yesterday’s unconfirmed report that Museveni had already signed the bill.

Last Sunday, Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador James Mugume, told reporters that U.S. National Security Adviser would provide “some materials and evidence that they feel were left out by our scientists.” You can read Uganda’s “scientific statement” here.

Priya Lynn

February 21st, 2014

This uncertainty is nerve-wracking, but better that than him having already signed the anti-gay bill.

Steve

February 21st, 2014

No real, credible science on this will ever come out of Africa.

Cass

February 21st, 2014

Why this obsession with genes? In utero hormone level is biological. Not genetic, but still inborn. Jesus, nurture is not genetic/biological but not CHOICE. And…Why does it even matter?!

Regan DuCasse

February 21st, 2014

All anyone has to know is that gay people aren’t anti social, are competent at any job as interest or skills warrant.
WTF?!

We’re not talking about gay people organizing to be a terrorist group. But organizing to be left in peace to participate in fully integrating as responsible and accountable citizens!

John

February 22nd, 2014

What science is he looking for? If he wants credible science on being gay, all he has to do is go online, presuming the President of Uganda has internet access. The science is there and has been for years.

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