Murder Shows Why UK Government Must Not Deport Lesbian

London 27th January 2011

The British Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has condemned the murder of Ugandan Gay and Human Rights Activist David Kato on 26th January, and called on the British government to abandon attempts to deport gay people to Uganda. David's brutal murder comes at a time when powerful anti gay forces within Uganda, led by a number of influential MPs, with the support of some religious groups, are trying to drive through legislation that would increase the penalties against gay relationships and even impose the death penalty in some cases.

At the same time the UK government is set to deport Ugandan Lesbian Brenda Namigadde on Friday, despite the assurances given by the Coalition Government, backed up by Supreme Court rulings, that they would no longer deport LGBT asylum seekers who had fled countries where there was a record of persecution. GALHA has written to the Home Secretary Theresa May MP urging her to allow Brenda to stay in the UK.

GALHA Chair Adam Knowles commented.

"We are horrified by this appalling murder, and wish to extend our deepest sympathy to David's family and friends, and to all gay people and campaigners for gay rights and human rights in Uganda.

"We call on the Ugandan government to ensure that David's murderers are brought to justice. We also urge the Ugandan Parliament to abandon the attempts to further criminalise consensual gay relationships. When the Ugandan Parliament is actively considering the legalisation of judicial murder of some gay people, it is hardly surprising if gay people and gay rights campaigners generally become targets for wider attacks, up to and including killing."

"It also beggars belief that the British government should be set to deport a known lesbian to a country where gay people are clearly at risk not just from draconian laws but from the very real threat of violence and even death. We accordingly express our full solidarity and support to Brenda in her last ditch fight to stay in this country, and urge the Government to reverse a decision that would shame Britain, and leaves us, potentially with blood on our hands."

"This appalling murder reminds us that the rights, freedoms and safety of gay people, and of other minorities remain extremely precarious, and that those of us who defend human rights have a duty to do what we can to help defend gay rights and human rights in all parts of the world, and to offer asylum to people who for whatever reason, face a real threat of persecution."