U.S. Concerned about Museveni Remarks
United
States Information Agency, October 15, 1999
October 15 statement by Deputy Spokesman Foley (290)
The United States views "with deep concern and consternation" reported
comments by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on September 27 threatening the arrest of
homosexuals based on Ugandan legislation barring homosexual activity," says State
Department Deputy Spokesman James Foley.
Foley added in a prepared statement on October 15 that the United States "would
view the arrest and imprisonment of persons based on their sexual orientation as a serious
human rights violation, regardless of whether such arrests are sanctioned by Ugandan
legislation."
Following is the text of Foley’s statement:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
October 15, 1999
#99/910 STATEMENT BY JAMES B. FOLEY, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN
UGANDA: THREAT OF ARRESTS BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION
The United States views with deep concern and consternation the reported comments by
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on September 27 threatening the arrest of homosexuals
based on Ugandan legislation barring homosexual activity. We would view the arrest and
imprisonment of persons based on their sexual orientation as a serious human rights
violation, regardless of whether such arrests are sanctioned by Ugandan legislation.
Uganda is party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as to
international conventions on civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural
rights. Although they do not specifically address sexual orientation, Uganda’s
participation in these conventions entails a broad commitment to respect the rights of
individuals in general. We urge the Ugandan government to ensure that none of its citizens
face harassment or detention as a result of their sexual orientation.
(end text)
Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of
State
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