GLOBALIZING THE CULTURE WARS Presented at the International AIDS Conference, Vienna, Wednesday July 21, 2010 By Rev. Dr. Kapya Kaoma Political Research Associates, Somerville, MA

U.S. CONSERVATIVES IN AFRICA U.S. conservatives encourage homophobia Uganda’s Anti-Gay Seminar Scott Lively, Don Schmierer and Caleb Lee Brundidge Pastor Rick Warren

WHAT THEY SAID The campaign was to “teach about the gay agenda in churches, schools colleges, community groups and in Parliament” “A nuclear bomb against the “gay” agenda” Scott Lively “Today, America is losing its religious freedom.” Lou Engle

U.S. ANTI-GAY MYTHS Gays are evil, monstrous and violent. They molest children, kill and destroy families. Homosexuality is a Western import! “Un African, unbiblical and un-Christian.” Homosexuals recruit in Schools.

Effects of such Statements U.S. religious conservatives influence public health, labor, and social welfare issues. MSMs are economically, politically and socially powerless.. Blaming MSMs for the HIV/AIDS epidemic has profound public health implications.

RELIGION, AIDS AND HOMOPHOBIA HIV/AIDS is God’s punishment for immorality Religious institutions are among the major service providers Linking MSM to sexual immorality has implications for church related health services.

MSM AS COLLATERAL DAMAGE Advancement in LGBT rights in America affects the rights of sexual minorities. African LGBT persons have become collateral damage. U.S. Bishop Mary Glasspool may be used to deny health care to LGBT persons.

A BLESSING IN DISGUISE Exposed anti-sexual rights forces in Africa. Some Africans are slowly coming to terms with the issue of human sexuality. U.S. Right’s “hand-washing strategy” worked against Conservatives in Uganda