Current Affairs

Anti-gay UN President mocks failed attempt to block his appointment

Jan 30 2015
Written by Nick Duffy

The anti-gay President of the UN General Assembly has mocked gay rights activists for trying to block his appointment.

Sam Kutesa, a former Ugandan minister, was appointed unopposed by the Assembly’s Africa block in June – despite a petition against his appointment signed by more than 13,000 people.

The senior politician has angered human rights campaigners over his views about homosexuality and his support for Uganda’s anti-gay legislation.

Mr Kutesa previously claimed that the majority of Africans “abhor” homosexuality, and strongly supports Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The politician took a swipe at his opponents this week, while visiting his native Uganda.

According to the Daily Monitor, he addressed the controversy by saying: “It is not a problem. I had been nominated by my country Uganda and the African continent had endorsed me.

“No matter how much noise the frogs make, they cannot stop a cow from drinking water.”

Labour’s Michael Cashman had previously called on the UK Government to block Mr Kutesa’s appointment.

Mr Cashman said: “As a cabinet member and supporter of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was signed by the Ugandan President four months ago, Mr Kutesa bears direct responsibility for this law and the rampant homophobia in Ugandan society.”