The coalition
government is "bullying" countries which need aid by asking them to
stop persecuting gays and lesbians, a Ugandan official has
said.
Ugandan presidential adviser John Nagenda made the comments
after Cameron told the Commonwealth committee in Australia that
receiving financial aid from Britain should depend on fair human
rights for gays and lesbians.
Some 41 nations within the 54-member Commonwealth have laws
banning homosexual acts.
But Nagenda told the BBC that Ugandans were "tired of these
lectures" and should not be treated like "children".
Nagenda also accused Mr Cameron of showing an "ex-colonial
mentality".
"Uganda is, if you remember, a sovereign state and we are tired
of being given these lectures by people," he told the BBC's
Newshour programme.
"If they must take their money, so be it. Those who have more
should give to those who have less. It's as simple as that," he
said.
Malawi has already seen its aid reduced after persecuting
homosexuals.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has echoed this vbiew,
arguing that the UK must not cut aid over the persecution of LGBT
people.
"The British government is wrong to threaten to cut aid to
developing countries that abuse human rights. Although these abuses
are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law, cuts
in aid would penalise the poorest, most vulnerable people. Many are
dependent on aid for basic needs like food, clean water, health
care and education," he said.
"Instead of cutting aid, Britain and other donor countries should
divert their aid money from human rights abusing governments and
redirect it to grassroots, community-based humanitarian projects
that respect human rights and do not discriminate in their service
provision. These frontline, on-the-ground projects tend to deliver
the most cost-effective aid that gets most directly to the people
who need it. By redirecting aid in this way, abusive governments
are punished but poor people are not penalised. They continue to
receive the aid they need.
"Any sanctions must always be targeted at human rights abusers,
not at the general population."
The sentiments have not been met by readers of DIVA's sister
site PinkPaper.com, though.
Responding to the story on the site's Facebook page, several
people backed Cameron's approach.
One person, Andrew Davies, wrote: "I don't always agree with PM Cameron's policies,
but I will take my hat of to the guy for his support and promotion
of Gay Rights! These African countries who think that GREAT BRITAIN
is bullying them should look at the way they are treating their own
LGBT countrymen!
"Why should I give to
a charity to help these countries, knowing that if I stepped foot
in that country I could be arrested purely down to my sexuality?
Keep it up David Cameron. Respect!"
