Gay Death Penalty Bill Linked to 3 US Evangelicals

Uganda introduced its bill calling for the death penalty for those who engage in homosexual behavior one month after a three-day series of anti-gay lectures presented by three American evangelical Christians to thousands of Ugandans. The theme of the event was the "hidden and dark agenda” of gays and the "threat" they pose to the traditional African family, the Ugandan organizer of the event tells the New York Times. The Americans discussed "curing" gays, how homosexuals sodomize teens, and how the gay movement is an "evil institution."

The three evangelicals—author Scott Lively, "ex gay" Caleb Lee Brundidge, and anti-gay Exodus International board member Don Schmierer—are now desperately trying to distance themselves from the controversial bill. “Some of the nicest people I have ever met are gay," said Schmierer. Ugandan officials are now saying the controversial "Anti-Homosexual Bill of 2009" may be modified in the wake of international outrage and threats to cut off financial aid. (More Uganda stories.)