No Gays in Uganda

By Brooke Minters and Nina Goodby

In Uganda, the penalty for homosexuality is up to 14 years in prison; homosexual acts have been illegal there since its days as a British colony. 

In October 2009, an anti-homosexuality bill was introduced into the parliament by first term member David Bahati. If it passes, this bill will "prohibit and penalize homosexual behavior," raising the current penalty to life in prison. Family, friends and neighbors will be required to report any homosexual acts. The bill also proposes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which is defined as sex with a minor or someone who is HIV positive, disabled, or a serial offender. 

This bill threatens the basic human rights of Ugandans.

Proponents of the bill point to the West as the source of homosexuality in their culture. Opponents of the bill point to the West as well, as the source of an ultra-conservative evangelical perspective and negative view of homosexuality. MP Bahati and his supporters deny being influenced by outside forces either way, and are offended at the suggestion.  

Brooke Minters and Nina Goodby went to Kampala to try to figure out what is causing this culture war.

No Gays in Uganda from Brooke Minters on Vimeo.

About Brooke Minters and Nina Goodby:

Brooke Minters is a journalist based out of Oakland, California. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Berkeley last year and is a classmate of Goodby's. She is still really excited that she gets to ask questions for a living.

Nina Goodby is a video journalist and documentary student at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She loves hiking in the rain with her dog and eating at restaurants late at night in unfamiliar cities. She lives in Oakland, CA.

Quick Study: Gay Rights

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