Kampala — Despite repeated international pressure against the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009, its author, David Bahati remains determined to see it pass into law.

Speaking at a pastoral conference at Christian Life Church at Bwaise on the outskirts of Kampala, today, Bahati said he had met with cabinet as asked by President Museveni and that cabinet expressed support for the bill.

"I understand there's so much pressure from outside the country but the pressure from within the country is more. The West has invested millions of dollars in public relations firms to blackmail the bill such that only pronouncements from powerful people are heard. But as Ugandans we know the most powerful person is God. I am optimistic the bill is going to be passed."

Trying to justify the necessity of passing the bill into law he added, "In the Defilement Act 2009, the law says that if someone (man) defiles a minor (girl child), the maximum punishment is death, but if a man defiles a boy, the law is silent about it."

Garnering more support for the bill from the pastors he said, "Research suggests that homosexuality reduces a person's life expectancy by 20 years and because of the force they use during this act, some old men have begun using nappies (pampers)."

He downplayed claims that homosexuals are born like that. "There's no research that suggests that homosexuality is inborn- it's learnt and if something is learned it can be unlearned just like smoking or drugs"

Double standards

Bahati said the West claims to be the vanguard of democracy, "but I am confused that they are saying: "do not even debate the bill." They are even trampling on my right to legislate on any matter I feel is right. These double standards should not be allowed," he added.

He urged the Christian folk not to give up the fight. "We have a lot of intercessors that are praying for us. Do not look at this bill as Bahati's -this is God's bill- this is not a physical fight, it's a spiritual fight and God is using this bill to shake the foundations of sin in the world," he concluded.