Multi-Faith, International Coalition Opposing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill Reaches 10,000 Members

by Staff
December 15, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY, (christiansunite.com) -- On October 14, the Anti- Homosexuality Bill was introduced in the Ugandan Parliament. As introduced, the bill would impose the death penalty on serial offenses of homosexual behavior, and makes first offenses punishable by life in prison. Intent to commit homosexuality would be criminalized. Failing to disclose knowledge of a homosexual to police could result in 3 years in jail. There are no exemptions for parents, health care workers, pastors or counselors.

On October 20, a group was formed on the social networking site, Facebook, in order to serve as a hub of awareness and opposition to the bill. As of last Friday, the membership of the multi-faith, international coalition passed 10,000.

Co-administrator of the group, Andrew Marin (author of Love is an Orientation) believes the bill does not represent evangelical teaching. Marin said, "Our tradition is best represented by a recognition that all are created in the image of God and worthy of redemption. Depriving people of life and liberty simply for being gay is not taught by my faith. I want to speak out and invite my Christian brothers and sisters to do the same."

"Speak out against Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009" is significant because evangelical Christians are speaking out against a bill that was introduced and supported by many Christian pastors and religious leaders there. "We want to reach out to our Ugandan brothers and sisters and ask them to consider putting down the stones, just as Jesus taught in the New Testament," added Warren Throckmorton, creator of the group.