In May of last year, Uganda criminalized same-sex relationships even prescribing the death penalty in some cases. In October, 5th district representative Tim Walberg visited the country. In a speech recorded by UBC Television Uganda, Walberg made a joke about gender identity and urged Ugandans to support their president.
Walberg says, “President Museveni needs a nation that stands with him and says, though the rest of the world is pushing back on you. Though there are other major countries that are trying to get into you and ultimately change you. Stand firm.”
News of the speech broke in the US last month (Dec). Walberg’s office now says the congressman never endorsed Uganda’s antigay law. But Outfront Kalamazoo director Tracy Hall says Walberg owes it to the many LGBTQ+ community members he represents to directly condemn it. In an email to WMUK, Walberg’s office said the representative opposes criminalizing homosexuality. It did not respond to requests to clarify Walberg’s stance on Uganda’s law.
Michael Symonds Michael reports for WMUK through the Report for America national service program.