I've been so impressed with Ellen DeGeneres. More and more, I think she's seeing what a difference she can make in the world. I think one of the reasons her show is so popular, besides her dead-on sense of humor, is that she is a genuinely caring person who understands that she can make the world a better place.
She's been taking a stand about things that matter to her, like animal welfare and Prop 8. Now Ellen is speaking out about the dire situation for gays and lesbians and their supporters in Uganda. She released the following statement on her website:
I'm so thankful for the freedoms that we have in this country; the freedom of speech, the freedom to vote and the freedom to love who we want.
And I want to say that what's happening in Uganda makes me incredibly sad. There's an "Anti-Gay Bill" that's proposing to jail homosexuals. They are trying to give life sentences to same-sex couples, and the bill even proposes that they jail anyone who fails to report "gay activity" to the police within 24 hours.
This is a horrible violation of human rights and I can't believe something like this is being discussed in this day and age.
I think we should be grateful for our freedoms this holiday season. Be thankful for the people who fight for them. And let's continue to be an example to the world through our love and compassion.
If you haven't already, please join the world-wide protest of this scary proposed law by signing an online petition.
© Frederick M. Brown
It killed me to find out about this bill. To think that this is happening in the world right now is devastating. I’m happy to hear that Ellen made a statement about it as attention must be paid to this topic. I don’t want my daughter to grow up in a world where she thinks her moms aren’t safe and accepted. It breaks my heart.
It really upsets me that this is happening in Uganda. My best friend’s partner is there right now and she said she was glad to know that she’d be able to come back home to a place where no matter what the benefit situation is, at least we’re safe here and can’t be jailed for our love and that we’re free to be who we are. I applaud Ellen for her bringing light to this subject and thank you Kathy for blogging about it!
It’s good to see some high profile celebrities speaking against that bill.
I am so upset over this Anti Gay non sense, I am numb still cannot believe something like this is happening in the world 2009…it’s quite crazy…I live in the Caribbean, where it’s immensely homophobic but still we have some lliberties, I can’t imagine what gay Ugandans and their families and friends are going through, having to lie and hide who they are. hmmm
This is not our country so leave it alone!!!