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LGBT Activists In Uganda
Urgently Need Your Help Today!
Take Action! Make Your Voice Heard!
A Message from Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC Moderator
The international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches condemns the arrest of three young LGBT activists in the East African nation of Uganda. The three activists were arrested on Wednesday, June 5, in Uganda's capital city of Kampala at the 2008 HIV/AIDS Implementers Meeting. The meeting is organized by international groups, including UNICEF, UNAIDS, and the World Bank.
While the three activists were released from jail, the charges were not dropped.
Metropolitan Community Churches joins SMUG (Sexual Minorities in Uganda) and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission in expressing our deep concern for the safety of the three arrested.
It is important that the Ugandan government hear from people everywhere urging that the rights and safety of these activists be protected. Below you will find two steps you can take to help today.
But first, let me share this background information…
Onziema Patience, Valentine Kalende and Auf, all in their 20's, were taken into custody by the Ugandan Police Force while peacefully protesting that government's refusal to provide HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention funding for men who have sex with men. Despite an HIV infection rate of more than 26% among gay males in that area, the government of Uganda has never provided funding for treatment for gay males.
"For several years, there has been a pattern of harassment and arrests of LGBT activists in Uganda," said Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. "I am deeply concerned that this ongoing pattern may be evolving into an escalating pattern."
"In some cases, Ugandans have been arrested simply for disseminating basic information about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, the government claiming it to be an 'affront to basic morality,'" added Rev. Wilson. "As people of faith, we believethat basic morality demands education and prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS, along with fair and adequate treatment of those who are infected."
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Step 1: Please pray for:
Those who have been arrested and now released. Pray for their safety and for their families, friends and community;
(continued on page 4)
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