From the New York Times:
Though not originally linked to the Ugandan legislation, Mr. Engle has long been a controversial figure in the United States for his views on homosexuality. During California’ referendum on same-sex marriage in 2008, he called homosexuality a “spirit of lawlessness.”
Before arriving here last week, Mr. Engle came out with a statement condemning the harsh penalties proposed in the bill, and said that his ministry could not support it. But when he took the stage late on Sunday afternoon, with Ugandan politicians and pastors looking on, he praised the country’ “courage” and “righteousness” in promoting the bill.
“NGOs, the U.N., Unicef, they are all coming in here and promoting an agenda,” Mr. Engle said, referring to nongovernmental organizations. “Today, America is losing its religious freedom. We are trying to restrain an agenda that is sweeping through the education system. Uganda has become ground zero.”
Politicians here have said no amount of aid cuts or foreign pressure would dissuade them from passing the bill, but the legislation has been stuck in a parliamentary committee since the beginning of the year.
The bill’ sponsor, David Bahati, who attended Sunday’ service, said in an interview that it was likely that some of its harsher provisions, including the death penalty, would be taken out before its passage, which he said he expected soon. But, he said, the goal of the bill would remain the same. The turnout for the free prayer service, and the support from Mr. Engle, were a good sign, Mr. Bahati said.
It is amazing how these so-called people of God lie through their teeth. While they preach about higher standards, there are few examples of people with a lower regard for truth and honesty. If LGBT people are harassed, intimidated or attacked and it is directly traced back to Engle – he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for inciting violence the very moment he steps foot on American shores.
