Jewish groups stand up for LGBT rights in Africa

In the Sochi spotlight, Russia’s anti-gay blitz has drawn international scrutiny. But some Jewish groups have their eye on troubling developments in Uganda.

By Brian Schaefer for Haaretz

NEW YORK– In the months leading up to the Winter Olympics, all eyes have been on Russia. But this scrutiny has focused as much on the startling wave of anti-gay rhetoric, legislation and violence as on the Games themselves.

On Monday, Jewish activists here and in four other cities across the United States staged a Global Day of Action to bring attention to the plight of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender citizens. But their target wasn’t Russia. It was Uganda.

Early in the day, approximately 30 activists met in a coffee shop a few blocks from the United Nations' headquarters. Shortly, they would walk to the Ugandan mission down the street and attempt to deliver a petition, signed by over 500 rabbis, protesting the country’s recent anti-gay legislation. The event was coordinated by the American Jewish World Service, an organization focused on human rights and international development that has worked in Uganda for years.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, as the legislation is known, was introduced in 2009 and passed in the legislature in December. One of its most worrisome aspects is its extraordinary scope, targeting not just those who identify as LGBT but also those who support them. This potentially includes health services, which could impact HIV/AIDS care. The bill now sits on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s desk, awaiting his signature.

“Our focus is to do everything we can to put pressure on the U.S. government to stop the Ugandan president from signing the bill,” AJWS president Ruth Messinger told Haaretz before she spoke to those gathered at the coffee shop.

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