Rep. Charles Rangel
Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-New York) has issued a strong statement opposing Ugandan foreign minister Sam Kutesa’s bid to become President of the General Assembly of the United Nations when member countries vote on June 11.
Rep. Ragel’s statement reads:
“Ugandan dictator Gen. Yoweri Museveni’s anti-gay law, which permits and even incites violence and discrimination against LGBT citizens, is unacceptable. In light of the Ugandan government’s policy of intolerance, I cannot, in good conscience, support the candidacy of Ugandan foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa for President of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) was signed into law, in defiance of the international community, by Gen. Museveni in late February of this year. The law promotes bigotry and stagnates the progress of Uganda and her citizens by constructing an environment of hate. As a senior official in a regime that fosters violent homophobia, foreign affairs minister Kutesa cannot be permitted to preside over an assembly of world leaders that seeks to promote peace and the universal respect of human rights.
Our own nation was founded on the premise of equality. America believes in empowering citizens to create positive change in the world and in bringing justice to those who seek to harm the innocent. Gen. Museveni’s repressive regime in Uganda opposes everything we stand for as a country and everything I stand for as a member of the United States Congress. I urge my fellow Americans to join me in standing against this heinous act of aggression against the Ugandan LGBT community by saying ‘no’ to Sam Kutesa becoming UN General Assembly President.”
Rep. Rangel represents New York’s 13th Congressional District.
An online campaign opposing Mr. Kutesa’s candidacy has drawn 2,676 signatures as of today.
Previously, Senators Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) also issued statements opposing Mr. Kutesa’s candidacy as did New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer.
Previous articles erroneously reported June 17 as the date for the UN GA Presidency vote; it’s June 11.
