LGBT rights group Samtökin ’78 has invited every member of parliament to see Call Me Kuchu, which is currently being shown as a part of the Reykjavík International Film Festival, RÚV reports.
The film is a documentary about the struggle of the LGBT community in Uganda, with a particular focus on activist David Kato.
Uganda has gained global attention for vicious attacks against the LGBT community there, but also because of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Submitted to Ugandan parliament in 2009 by MP David Bahati, the bill seeks to toughen existing laws prohibiting homosexuality in the country. If passed, the bill would give authorities the power to imprison those engaging in homosexuality, with the death penalty for repeat offenders. Furthermore, people would be compelled to report on homosexuality within 24 hours or face up to three years in prison, and Ugandan citizens engaging in homosexual activity abroad would face extradition requests.
Last June, the Ugandan government buckled to international pressure, backpedaling slightly by saying that they would not crack down on LGBT group meetings: “No government official is (supposed) to harass any section of the community and everybody in Uganda enjoys the freedom to lawfully assemble and associate freely with others.”
Nonetheless, the bill is still in Uganda’s parliament, and members of the LGBT community still face daily persecution from government officials, the police and other citizens alike.
Call Me Kuchu will be shown at Bíó Paradís this Sunday at 16:00. The trailer for the film can be seen below:
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