Dear friends,
Debate is raging in Uganda on the proposal to execute gay people. We can't let extremists drown out voices of reason -- donate now for opinion polls and ads showing Ugandans choose human rights over violent extremism:
In just two weeks, nearly half a million of us have signed the global petition against Uganda's proposed law to sentence gay people to death and jail their friends.
It's an extraordinary response to a terrifying law -- but more is needed. Extremists are escalating their rhetoric -- with one pastor showing gay pornography in order to whip up rage. But very few know the harsh details of this draconian bill. And no public opinion poll has asked whether the Ugandan people would support such mass execution.
The Ugandan movement against the bill, which has been electrified by global solidarity, hasn't had the resources to inform their fellow citizens about the bill's deadly provisions.
If enough of us chip in, we can help launch radio spots, newspaper ads and billboard campaigns that reach millions of Ugandans with the truth -- and a powerful, human call to protect human rights. Donate now to fuel the defense of rights in Uganda:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/ugandan_voices_7/?vl
While homophobia is widespread in Uganda, as in much of the world, so is a belief in basic human rights -- and this bill is, at heart, an assault on human rights.
The fundamental belief that every life is equally precious, regardless of nation, creed, or sexual orientation, is at the heart of the opposition to this bill. It's what has led hundreds of thousands of us to sign the petition -- which has been sent to Ugandan and donor governments, and will be presented to the Speaker of Parliament in Uganda next week. And it's what has united the church leaders, gay groups, and human rights advocates in Uganda to join together for justice.
The Ugandans at the front lines of this struggle are doing all they can. Our support -- resources that cost us very little -- can make all the difference in the world to them.
Let's rise to this moment, and make their cause our own.
With hope,
Ben, Alice, David, Paula, Benjamin, Ricken, and the whole Avaaz team
PS: You can read the actual law here:
http://www.avaaz.org/death-law
You can read more about the proposed law here:
http://www.avaaz.org/uganda_article
If you haven't signed it, you can join the petition against the law at this link:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/uganda_rights/?fr
Support the Avaaz community! We're entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way.
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Avaaz.org is a 3.9-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages. To contact Avaaz, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US) or +55 21 2509 0368 (Brazil).