While appearing before the Parliament’s Legal Committee on the anti-homosexuality bill (which is under examination) Dr. Sylvia Tamale – a former Professor and lecturer of Law at Makerere university has guarded homosexuality saying that victims of the behavior have a right of life just like any other citizen.
In her argument, the former Makerere lecturer emphasized the need to differentiate between pedophilia and homosexuality even if majority of pedophiles are stated to be homosexual.
“I don’t care if it’s one person, or two, that person has a right to be on this earth just like you and me. And I think it’s an abuse of power to say that they don’t have a right to exist like the [anti-homosexuality] law is saying. All Ugandans agree that pedophilia has no place in a civilized society but let’s not make a mistake. Paedophilia and homosexuality is not the same thing and it’s well established that the majority of pedophilia are heterosexual,” Dr. Tamale said.
“However much we may hate their actions, however much we might hate their action; we really cannot dis-appear our fellow citizens. Don’t be surprised when this law comes back to haunt you one day, all it takes is a whispered accusation from a political rival to claim that you’re gay”
Listen to audio below:
AUDIO: Ex Makerere Professor Defends Homosexuality
The anti-homosexuality bill, which is under scrutiny, was presented to parliament this month by Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament Asuman Basalirwa.
It seeks to criminalize homosexuality as well as its promotion and financing in Uganda.
