Minneapolis City Council Denounces Uganda’s “Kill Gays” Bill

[ccharles000]

While it’s not without precedent, it may seem odd for an American municipality speaking out on foreign affairs. But Minneapolis has a special interest in the Anti-Homosexuality Bill due to its “sister city” status Minneapolis maintains with Kampala. Today, the Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution condemning Uganda’s proposed legislation.

RESOLUTION 2009R-609

By Benson, Gordon, Glidden, Hofstede, Remington, Hodges, Colvin Roy, Ostrow, Lilligren, Schiff

Amending the Policy Initiatives section of the Fiscal Year 2010 Federal Agenda for the City of Minneapolis by inserting a section entitled “Human Rights Restrictions in Uganda.”

Whereas, the Uganda Legislature is considering a law that would strengthen penalties against the promotion of homosexuality, and

Whereas, Bill Number 18, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 targets lesbian, gay and transgender Ugandans, their advocates and defenders and anyone who fails to report them to the authorities; and

Whereas, the legislation would criminalize such activities as funding LGBT organizations, publishing or broadcasting or marketing materials on homosexuality; and

Whereas, a person guilty of promoting homosexuality could be subject to a fine or imprisonment;

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by The City Council of The City of Minneapolis:

That the Policy Initiatives section of the Fiscal Year 2010 Federal Agenda for the City of Minneapolis be further amended by inserting a section entitled “Human Rights Restrictions in Uganda” stating as follows:

The Uganda Legislature is considering a law that would strengthen penalties against the promotion of homosexuality. Bill Number 18, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 targets lesbian, gay and transgender Ugandans, their advocates and defenders and anyone who fails to report them to the authorities. The legislation would criminalize such activities as funding LGBT organizations, publishing or broadcasting or marketing materials on homosexuality. A person guilty of promoting homosexuality could be subject to a fine or imprisonment. The City of Minneapolis opposes this legislation.

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/12/18/18514#more-18514

[Thickasabrick]

1. Wish more organizations would denounce this - thank you Minneapolis nt

[MNBrewer]

2. Yay for my city