[Shaun]

The authorities in Uganda have charged a British theatre producer, David Cecil, for staging a play about the condition of gay people in the country.

He appeared in court accused of "disobeying lawful orders", because the play The River and the Mountain was performed without authorisation.

Mr Cecil was denied bail. He faces two years in jail if convicted.

The Ugandan parliament is considering legislation aimed at increasing penalties for homosexual acts.

The play - the main character of which is a gay businessman killed by his own employees - was performed at two theatres in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, last month.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Uganda and gay people have faced physical attacks and social rejection.

An anti-gay bill imposing life sentences on those convicted of homosexual acts was re-tabled in parliament earlier this year.

It was first introduced in 2009 but never debated - and the MP backing the legislation says a clause proposing the death penalty will be dropped.

[armand.kay]

An anti-gay bill imposing life sentences on those convicted of homosexual acts

Why are humans so stupid .

[Redway]

Doesn't surprise me. Africa's run by a bunch of homophobic, staunch right-wing bastards. They're still stuck in the dark ages.

[arista]

He would know its Illegal in Uganda.

[CharlieO]

Well he clearly wanted a reaction and got one.

[Shaun]

oh that's okay then

[mrlecturer]

should've done this on Broadway. look at The Book of Mormon.

[arista]

Originally Posted by Shaun

oh that's okay then

No its not nice for him.

But Everyone dealing with Africa knows of
Illegal Laws on gays.

[CharlieO]

I am sorry but the UK was exactly the same until mid 1900's and africa's stage of development is pre 1900 so i really dont see the big issue. In like 50 years it'll all change. Yea its bad but hypocrisy at its finest

[Livia]

Originally Posted by CharlieO

I am sorry but the UK was exactly the same until mid 1900's and africa's stage of development is pre 1900 so i really dont see the big issue. In like 50 years it'll all change. Yea its bad but hypocrisy at its finest

Why do you think things changed in the UK? Because people sat back and did nothing? Or because some people took a stand, despite the imprisonment, despite society's disapproval, despite the physical attacks... Things will only change in Africa if people stand up to be counted. Nothing ever got done by indifference.

[CharlieO]

^ precisely. That is what I am saying. But people will get punished, no one can expect it to be an immediate thing. He did it knowing the reaction he got but for change, so I don't see why anyone is complaining