- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- March 2009
- October 2006
- July 2002
America's Leading Gay News Source
Obama statement condemns Uganda killing
President Obama on Thursday issued a statement calling on the Ugandan government to hold accountable those who murdered LGBT activist David Kato.
Notably, the president states that “LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights,” recalling a similar line from a speech that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave in June.
The complete statement follows:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom. The United States mourns his murder, and we recommit ourselves to David’s work.
At home and around the world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected to unconscionable bullying, discrimination, and hate. In the weeks preceding David Kato’s murder in Uganda, five members of the LGBT community in Honduras were also murdered. It is essential that the Governments of Uganda and Honduras investigate these killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.
LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights. My Administration will continue to strongly support human rights and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons abroad. We do this because we recognize the threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we share their commitment to advancing freedom, fairness, and equality for all.
Tagged with Barack Obama
We welcome your thoughtful, respectful comments. Please read our 'Terms of Service' page for more information about community expectations.
Comments from new visitors, flagged users, or those containing questionable language are automatically held for moderation and may not appear immediately.

view print edition
Wow. Bush never woulda said that… now I feel kinda guilty for calling the president’s comment line to say that the usa should freeze all financial aid to Uganda; their government has created a climate of murder towards gay people by publicizing their “kill the gays” bill for all these months… but it has…
OK. Not really feeling guilty. I am appreciative, but that saying really does come to mind:
“Put your money where your mouth is.”
Or taketh away the money. Please. For David Kato’s sake. And mine. And ours.
[Translate]
Who killed David Kato?… a STRAIGHT Person. The same kind that do all Gay killings.
[Translate]