17 August, 2024.
The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC), which brings together Catholic organizations across the world that work for good pastoral care and justice for LGBTI people, applauds Pope Francis for meeting with Ugandan LGBTI Civil Rights activist Clare Byarugaba. The group says, “We hope and pray that the stories she brought him about how the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 is impacting the Ugandan’s lives moves him to continue to press for the decriminalization of gay and transgender identities.”
“We are very happy that Clare Byarugaba was able to meet with Pope Francis,” said Christopher Vella of Malta, co-chair of GNRC. “We know that she brought the same message that GNRC leaders did when we met the Pope. His 2023 call for decriminalization of homosexuality was an important first step. But the fact that this extremely punitive law could be passed just months later, and with the support of a number of Catholic leaders, shows that much more needs to be done.”
“GNRC has members and member groups in Uganda,” said Marianne Duddy-Burke of the United States, GNRC’s other co-chair. “Many of them have been fired from jobs, forced out of housing, or forced to flee the country since this law was passed. Some are constantly on the move due to threats of violence. Our faith calls us to honor the human dignity of all people. We need more Catholics to join us and Pope Francis in working to end discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Human Rights Watch and Ugandan LGBTI+ service organizations have documented increased attacks against members of the community since the 2023 law took effect. LGBTI+ people have been subject to beatings, sexual and psychological violence, evictions, blackmail, loss of employment, denial of healthcare, online harassment, mass arrests at Pride events and bars, and break-ins at LGBTI+ organizational offices. In 64 countries, consensual same-sex activity between adults is still criminalized. In 12 nations, same-sex relationships can result in the death penalty.
“We all have the responsibility to uphold the human rights of all people,” said GNRC’s leaders. “We hope that Pope Francis’ meetings with LGBTI+ people, and the calls of so many Catholic leaders to recognize LGBTI+ people as beloved by God, help to end the persecution of LGBTI+ people quickly.”