Let's unite against Uganda...

Here's an open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury...

I am writing to you to call on the Church of England and the wider Anglican community to condemn Uganda's proposed anti-homosexuality bill, which will make gay relations between disabled people and those under 18 a capital offence. "Carnal knowledge against the order of nature" – as homosexuality is termed in Ugandan law – is already punishable with life imprisonment. However, if passed, the new bill will widen the scope, including promoting homosexuality, aiding and abetting homosexuality and keeping a house "for purposes of homosexuality". This means that the relatives and friends of gay couples could face execution if they allow them to stay in their homes.

The anti-homosexuality legislation proposed and enacted in Uganda and many other former British colonies has caused misery for many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, many of whom are forced to flee their countries due to this persecution. Religion is often cited as a justification for state and non-state violence against LGBT people. As a gay refugee from Nigeria who has faced this persecution, I am well aware of the misery LGBT people can go through in Africa. As a practising Anglican Christian, I believe it is crucial that the Anglican Communion unites to prevent the killing of people on the grounds of sexuality.