Hillary Clinton (Sort Of) Denounces Uganda's "Kill Gays" Bill

In a speech made to mark World AIDS Day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a blanket condemnation of any attempt by other nations to criminalize homosexuality, a jab most seen by most as directed at Uganda, where America-based Christians are backing a bill that would result in the death penalty for some homosexual acts.

“Obviously, our efforts are hampered whenever discrimination or marginalization of certain populations results in less effective outreach and treatment. So we will work not only to ensure access for all who need it but also to combat discrimination more broadly,” she said during a press conference in which officials also announced that the XIX International AIDS Conference, set for 2012, will be held in United States — the first time the conference has been held here since 1990. “We have to stand against any efforts to marginalize and criminalize and penalize members of the LGBT community worldwide.”

Others are calling for a more direct threat to suspend the recently pledged $250M in U.S. aid to Uganda, should the bill pass. Clinton went on to announce that with the just-finalized suspension of the U.S. HIV travel ban, Washington DC will host the 2012 International AIDS Conference. American cities have been unable to host this important event because so many HIV/AIDS activists could not gain entry to the country. Clinton's full remarks are here.

(Via - Kerry Eleveld @ Advocate)