Legislation pending in Uganda would create the offense of "aggravated homosexuality" and impose the death penalty on HIV positive gay men.  Failing to report the existence of a gay or lesbian person would be punished by 3 years in prison.

The Prime Ministers of Canada and Great Britain denounced this unconscionable move - but American political and religious leaders have remained tragically silent.

Indeed conservative American Christian missionaries have actually been encouraging the rabidly homophobic Museveni regime for some time.  Adding insult to injury, our tax dollars are partially funding this (Last year Uganda received nearly $287 million in funding from the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief).

Where is the President and the Secretary of State?  If the internment and summary execution of minority groups does not stir our National outrage, what will?

Where are our religious leaders?  Anti-gay conservative mega-church Pastor Rick Warren said, "I can't take sides."  I shudder at the thought that this man speaks for a large portion of his followers.  Cannot take sides?  What moral authority can a religious leader claim who will not take sides against prejudice, malice and murder?

Still, at least Warren's stance is clear.  He may be a wicked ideologue but at least he isn't a hypocrite.

Any that remain silent in the face of a holocaust are diminished, but those who have the power to make a difference and do not are despicable.