BAD IDEA OF THE WEEK: Banning homosexuality

The United States is urging Uganda to repeal a law that criminalizes homosexuality with punishments up to life in prison. The White House has issued a statement saying Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni "took Uganda a step backward" by signing the law. It said the measure is an affront and a danger to Ugandan gays, and reflects poorly on the country's human rights record. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the US is reviewing its relationship with Uganda as a consequence of the new law and that "now that the law has been enacted, we are beginning an internal review of our relationship with the government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement - including assistance programs - uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values." Among other measures, the new law imposes harsh new penalties for gay sex, and bans the so-called "promotion" of homosexuality. Amnesty International denounced the new law as "deeply offensive," and said it makes a mockery of rights enshrined in the Ugandan constitution. Of course it's offensive. If Museveni hates gays that much, he should move to Texas instead of being a complete idiot to the people of Uganda, who deserve better than to be picked on over something that isn't necessarily a choice.