By Barbara Among

The Speaker of Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, has told those opposing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that it will not be withdrawn.

He has instead advised them to present their views before the parliamentary legal affairs committee for consideration.

“We shall consider your views but we cannot withdraw the Bill. It has to follow proper procedures,” he said.

Ssekandi was on Monday responding to a petition presented to Parliament by a group calling itself AIDS service providers, spiritual mentors and counsellors.

It was led by the Rev. Can. Gideon Byamugisha. Also present were the HIV/AIDS activist, Rubaramira Ruranga, Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo and Florence Baluba.

“We are calling on you to reject this Bill and the hatred, intolerance, self-righteousness and violence it promotes.”

The activists added that being gay was a right that needed to be respected.

Ssekandi asked: “Would you be happy if your son brought home a man or your daughter another girl for a partner?”

The Speaker explained that the Bill has two parts; one stating that homosexuality is unacceptable in Uganda and the other proposing punishments for offenders.