Uganda’s infamous “Kill The Gays” bill, which would provide the death penalty for the “crime” of being gay, is about to become law, based upon current reports and the surrounding political situation in the staunchly conservative and Christian East African country. The bill has been debated in the Uganda Parliament for the past two days, and may come to a vote in the next 24 hours, which is when the current session of Parliament concludes.

“This bill is a blow to the progress of democracy in Uganda,” said David Kato of Sexual Minorities Uganda. “It goes against the inclusive spirit necessary for our economic as well as political development. Its spirit is profoundly undemocratic and un-African.”

In an attack on the freedom of expression, a new, wide-ranging provision would forbid the “promotion of homosexuality” – including publishing information or providing funds, premises for activities, or other resources. Conviction could result in up to seven years in prison.

“This draft bill is clearly an attempt to divide and weaken civil society by striking at one of its most marginalized groups” said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “The government may be starting here, but who will be next?”

Because Canada has a long history of LGBT activism within its Black, African, and Caribbean communities, Egale Canada began the Queering Black History Campaign in 2009 with an annual postcard dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black, African, and Caribbean LGBT people in Canada. The postcard is meant to attend to glaring omissions in our history books and increase the scope of inclusive education and, in turn, help foster safer and more welcoming school environments in Canada.