Pelosi Statement on Ugandan LGBT Activist David Kato
02/02/2011
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on Ugandan LGBT activist David Kato:
"The murder of human rights activist David Kato in Uganda is a shock to many of us all over the world including President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and the American LGBT community. We are saddened by this senseless loss of life. In Uganda, David was a man of great courage and conviction. He took a principled stand on the side of justice and equality for LGBT individuals, at great risk to his own safety.
"The murder of David Kato, and the recent murders of five members of the LGBT community in Honduras, challenges our conscience. No one should suffer persecution, discrimination, or violence because of who they are, how they look, or what they believe. Violent acts of hatred and bigotry have no place in society.
"San Francisco's history of advocacy for equal rights fills me with great purpose in continuing to uphold the dignity and rights of all people, at home and abroad. We must work together to combat all forms of discrimination, and to ensure the fundamental right of all people to feel safe and secure in their own communities. I join President Obama in calling on the Governments of Uganda and Honduras to investigate these killings and hold the perpetrators accountable."
