Sen. Jason Rapert has extolled the president of Uganda Yoweri Museveni. A Twitter above is illustrative. It was occasioned by an article about Museveni’s supposed atonement for past Ugandan atrocities and a commitment to Christian leadership. Alas, Christian leadership iin Uganda, where Rapert has done mission work, includes criminal punishment for homosexuals. The particular article was written just shortly after the Uganda legislative body modestly moderated — in the face of worldwide condemnation — proposed legislation on criminalizing homosexuality to remove the death penalty. (That’s not why Rapert was praising him.)
Things haven’t gotten a whole lot better in Uganda.
The latest news is that the man Rapert has praised said this week that he would sign legislation authorizing life sentences for homosexual acts. Museveni has apparently concluded there is a scientific rationale for criminalizing homosexuality. It is also a crime, punishable by seven years in prison, to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony.
I commented on Twitter yesterday about the planned action and Rapert’s love for the Ugandan president. His response on my observation of his love for Museveni:
…. not near as much as I love you. Happy Valentines Day big guy!
His kind words were appreciated. But I haven’t heard back from Rapert on my question of whether his support for the Ugandan president continues. The simple question: If he could, would Rapert criminalize homosexuality and performance of same-sex marriages in Arkansas?
I’ll let you know if I hear back.