Madam, – The Ugandan parliament has tabled an “anti-homosexuality Bill that proposes the death penalty for gay sex acts” (World News, March 6th).
Yet Uganda is a major recipient of Irish Aid in development funds. In particular, according to Irish Aid’s website, our development co-operation funds are used to support the process of democratisation and justice reform there. As a resident and taxpayer in this country, I find it outrageous that our money is used to support a government that sees homosexuality as a criminal act, a practice that goes against any principle of equality, fairness and democracy.
When is our Government going to apply the standards, so highly regarded in our laws and multiple international agreements (including the International Declaration of Human Rights) as a condition to our foreign aid development co-operation?
When are we going to impose criteria for our foreign aid on issues such as freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and respect for the dignity of the individual? It does not appear to be happening at present. – Yours, etc,