Senyonjo calls for global decriminalization of homosexuality

On Friday, Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda spoke at the United Nations. He used the occasion to call for the global decriminalization of homosexuality.

He said, in part,

First, we must move aggressively to decriminalize homosexuality.

The criminalization of homosexuality remains the most significant barrier that needs to be dismantled to reduce the spread of AIDS. We need to make our laws and agreements more binding. We need to ask if our laws or beliefs help or prevent the spread of HIV and hinder or support families caring for loved ones. Over 80 countries still criminalize homosexuality and see it as a crime against God and nature. Denying people their humanity puts us all at risk because AIDS spreads fast in the darkness of ignorance.

Second, we must ask everyone to take on the responsibility to respect human rights.

Our lawmakers must create a safe space for conversations where we can share one another’s truths. Every person in this assembly should think about how their personal or institutional beliefs deny or support human rights.

Third, we leaders in the faith community must teach one another to listen and to live with differences.

Posted by Torey Lightcap on April 10, 2011 7:55 AM | |
Comments (3)

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, brick of the week! My hero.

Posted by Lois Keen [TypeKey Profile Page] | April 10, 2011 1:10 PM

God bless him.

...but it's still shocking to me, that this should even be an issue, much less a controversy.

JC Fisher

Posted by tgflux [TypeKey Profile Page] | April 10, 2011 5:14 PM

This is a bold move and one that is deserving of our support in a very big way. I suggest that Presiding Bishop Katherine publically stand with this good man and that we, as a church, back them quite publically. Along with the MDG's, it is critical that we stop giving silent ascent to injustice wherever it is found. That's the church I'd be proud to belong to (and am already).

Posted by Peter Pearson [TypeKey Profile Page] | April 10, 2011 9:10 PM

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