UGANDAN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE TAKES PLACE IN SPITE OF RIDICULOUS BOTTLENECKS

queer bar in East London.

Historically, the legal definition of marriage, was limited to a union between opposite-sex couples.

 

By Tony Kitara

That definition has, however, been challenged by human rights campaigners in the recent past and seen a number of countries like Vietnam being the latest, South Africa, Britain among many others legalizing same-sex marriage. Much more needs to be done, but there has been significant commitment to advancing equality for Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals by the UK Government.

 

In July 2013, a legislation that allows same-sex marriage in England and Wales was passed by the UK Parliament and, as a result, we saw the first same-sex marriage taking place on the 29 March 2014. Scotland however had to wait until more recently on the 31 December 2014 when the first same-sex marriage ceremonies occurred.

 

Similarly, 2015 has started off well for Ugandan LGBTI activists. On the 7th January 2015 at Hammersmith Town Hall, the solemnisation of “probably” this year’s first same-sex marriage of Catherine and Sarah occurred. It was an important moment for not only the couple but also the present members of the African LGBTI – Out & Proud Diamond Group who, to their knowledge, witnessed the first same-sex marriage of African origin.

 

In particular, I personally pay special tribute to human rights campaign veteran Peter Tatchell who relentlessly spent years battling for equal marriage and it makes me proud to live in England, a country that is said to be the best to live in when you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex. Even though we need to address more challenges like changing people’s attitudes and kicking-out hate crimes and homophobic bullying in schools.

 

While the couple said they were thrilled to have got married, Ugandan Lesbian Aidah Asaba said: “I found the ceremony much more moving than expected and  hoped that this can strength gay men and women elsewhere who live in constant contemplation of their future.”

 

As we look at the future that lies ahead, Ugandan legislators are considering further criminalisation of LGBT advocacy and same-sex relationships Hence why I have recently become so frustrated with the battle cries of the conservative Ugandan legislators.

 

Many gay people in much of sub-Saharan Africa are psychologically forced into heterosexual relationships, which is unfair for both sexes and so people should desist from being brainwashed by immoral man-made religious dogma. They should know that gay and straight marriages are both moral loving unions and therefore deserve equal acceptance.

 

Besides wishing the couple a happy marriage, I hope their wedding sends a powerful message to the homophobes across the globe and particularly in Uganda where I come from: that you can live and love as you choose, regardless of your sexual orientation.

 

Tony Kitara is a Ugandan gay man and activist living in the United Kingdom, and a member of the Out & Proud Diamond Group.

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