Canada Strongly Condemns Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act

OTTAWA, Canada, February 25, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement following Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni's approval of the anti-homosexuality act:

“Canada is extremely disappointed that President Museveni has signed this piece of legislation, which will make homosexuality punishable with life imprisonment. We strongly urge the President to protect the human rights of all Ugandans regardless of their sexual orientation, in accordance with Uganda's constitution.

“This act is a serious setback for human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms and deserves to be widely condemned. Regrettably, this discriminatory law will serve as an impediment in our relationship with the Ugandan government.

“Canada has repeatedly raised our concerns with the Government of Uganda, and we have done so again. Our engagement on human rights issues will only become more persistent. We will continue to support efforts to decriminalize homosexuality and combat violence against people on the basis of their sexual orientation.”