NZ Govt must condemn Ugandan anti-homosexual legislation - CTU

The Government must condemn "repugnant" Ugandan legislation which would introduce the death penalty for anyone for engaging in a homosexual act, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is urging.

The CTU Out at Work network, which represents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBTI) workers, says the bill, currently before the Ugandan parliament, is another attack on the rights of gay men and lesbians in several countries.

"It is a matter of utmost urgency for our government to join governments around the world to condemn this odious and repugnant legislation," said Outwork spokeswoman Karena Brown.

Brown is also calling on the Government to "make it known" that governments and international organisations are "outraged" by the proposed legislation.

The bill is "total breach" of all international human rights conventions and treaties, she said.

"We cannot stand by and ignore this gross international threat to human rights, which could set back the human rights of LGBTI people everywhere," she said.

The CTU Out at Work network is urging union members and civil society organisations to join an online petition against the bill.

A similar bill before Ugandan parliament was shelved in 2009 thanks to an international outcry, meaning it can be stopped again, said Brown.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITCU) condemned the bill earlier this week, calling it "extremely shocking".

- nzherald.co.nz