U.S. Senate Condemns Ugandan “Anti-Homosexuality Bill”

Resolution also urges countries to reject similar laws that criminalize homosexuality and hinder successful HIV/AIDS responses

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Cub Barrett, Program Communications Manager, (212) 806-1602

NEW YORK, April 14, 2010—amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, on Wednesday applauded the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing a resolution condemning Uganda’s proposed “Anti-Homosexuality Bill,” which violates fundamental human rights and imperils successful HIV/AIDS initiatives, and urged the Ugandan Parliament to drop consideration of the legislation.

The bipartisan resolution, introduced by U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Susan Collins (R-ME), also urges all countries around the world to reject and repeal similar laws that criminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations. Additionally, the resolution encourages the U.S. Department of State to monitor human rights abuses based on sexual orientation.

“We know that, in countries around the world, men who have sex with men are at high risk of HIV infection and face particular challenges in accessing HIV care. Stigma and legal obstacles undermine HIV prevention and treatment efforts with this population,” said Chris Collins, amfAR’s vice president and director of public policy. “We urge the House of Representatives to also take action and send a strong signal to countries that these egregious rights abuses will not be tolerated.”
amfAR has a long history of working with MSM on HIV/AIDS issues in many countries where homosexuality is criminalized. Since 2007, amfAR’s MSM Initiative has given nearly $2 million to support 75 frontline organizations serving MSM in 52 countries, including Uganda. 

About amfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $307 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.