Homosexuality in Uganda and Cross Cultural Dialogue

A proposed bill in Uganda would ban gay rights advocacy in Uganda and suggest the death penalty for a homosexual with HIV engaging in sexual relations. It is currently a crime to be homosexual in Uganda. Lou Engle, an evangelical of Kansas went to speak in Uganda about this proposed bill and the “courage” of the people in fighting for God’s will. This shows how cross cultural dialogue can be limited in widening discussion about any given topic. Other topics talked about in this speech Sunday were witchcraft and corruption. Although it may seem like something of the past, the pressure on homosexuals in Uganda and prejudice against them is very great. In the New York Times article, “ In Uganda, Push to Curb Gays Draws US Guest” (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/world/africa/03uganda.html?ref=world) by Josh Kron, he describes those opposed to the new legislation not picketing but says they, “roamed the grounds quietly, watching from a distance.” Should the international community address this issue? Ugandan legislators say that “no amount of aid cuts or foreign pressure would dissuade them from passing the bill.” Is there another way to approach this issue or is this something Ugandans will solve internally when their history allows it? Could cross cultural dialogue with a wider scope than evangelicalism be useful in this context? How would it be initiated constructively?