Rep. Mark Pocan, openly gay and representing Wisconsin, has raised alarms over the involvement of the Fellowship Foundation, a Christian conservative organization, in Uganda’s repressive anti-homosexuality legislation. The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, notorious for its severe penalties including death and imprisonment for homosexual acts and advocacy, has led to widespread human rights abuses against the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda.
Human Rights Under Siege
Since the enactment of the law, the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda has faced an onslaught of persecution. Reports detail over 180 evictions, more than 175 instances of torture and degrading treatment, and upwards of 155 cases of discrimination and abuse. The dire situation underscores the law’s devastating impact on individuals’ lives, challenging the global movement towards equality and human rights.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
At the heart of Pocan’s inquiry is the Fellowship Foundation’s role in facilitating this draconian law. Their involvement in Uganda’s National Prayer Breakfast, where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric was promoted, has drawn particular scrutiny. Pocan’s letter to the organization seeks clarity on their stance towards the Anti-Homosexuality Act, urging them to disavow the law and cease support for measures that criminalize LGBTQ+ identities. His demands highlight a critical moment for accountability and the urgent need for advocacy against laws that threaten the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.