Homosexuality - Punishable By Death?
While homosexual acts have been illegal in the African nation of Uganda for over 100 years, a new law is being discussed this Friday which will see to attach a minimum sentence of life in prison for such acts and for “serial offenders” a death sentence. Ahead of the debate, the BBC has asked its web users to comment on the bill proposed.

The bill states for life imprisonment to be the minimum punishment for anyone convicted of having gay sex - but if the accused person is HIV positive or a serial offender, or a "person of authority" over the other partner, or if the "victim" is under 18, then the conviction should result in the death penalty. The bill claims that it exists to ‘protect the traditional family value of the people of Uganda’ but it has provoked widespread criticism, some of which has been expressed on the ‘Have your say’ page on the BBC. If the bill is passed as intended by the end of 2009, human rights groups have suggested foreign aid should be withdrawn, which could have a catastrophic effect. Homosexuality is regarded as taboo in much of Africa and is often regarded as a menace and a threat to cultural, religious and social values. The bill unfortunately only sets to reinforce this.
 

Copenhagen Deal On Knife-Edge
With just two days left to seal a binding deal for a cut in global emissions, the Copenhagen summit remains in deadlock. Developed and developing nations remain at odds over who should cut emissions, how much they should be cut, and how much finance the developing world should be receiving to compensate and allow these countries to adapt to the evident consequences of a changing climate. There has been marked progress in some areas but the overall feeling is that pledges are just not cutting it. The most vulnerable developing nations say emissions should be constrained to a level associated with a temperature rise of 1 or 1.5 degrees celcius - however it’s looking like an almost zero chance to achieving this. Ed Milliband, Britain’s Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said the prospects for “reaching a deal were on knife-edge”. 
 
Pakistan’s President In Trouble
Last night the Supreme Court in Pakistan overruled a corruption amnesty which had previously protected leading figures such as President Asif Ali Zardari. The country’s highest court also revived corruption charges against him dating back to the 1990s. One case alleges he misappropriated $1.5bn. In it’s ruling, the court decided that the amnesty which protects 8,000 beneficiaries was illegal; many on the list face criminal or graft charges. Pressure was put on President Zardari to resign last night, although he denies charges of wrong-doing. The ruling paves the way for legal challenges against Zardari at a time when he is deeply unpopular because of public perceptions that he is being too compliant with the US. A few weeks ago Zardari relinquished command of the country’s nuclear arsenal and said he would give up more powers soon. However, while under presidency, Zardari remains immune from prosecution.

Iran’s Nuclear Programme Revived
The Times newspaper claims it has obtained notes which map out a four-year plan to test a neutron initiation - the component of a nuclear bomb that triggers an explosion. The Iranian defense minister said the Sajjil-2 missile, shown on television being launched from a desert location, would act as “a strong deterrent” against possible foreign attack. The document provides new evidence which strongly indicates a continuation of nuclear weapons in Iran. Foreign intelligence has dated the document back to early 2007, four years after Iran was thought to have suspended its weapons programme. Tension between the West and Tehran, the capital of Iran, has been rising in recent weeks over its nuclear programme; last month Iran unveiled plans to build ten new uranium enrichment plants in breach of United Nations resolutions, though Tehran claims its nuclear plants are solely for the production of electricity not for acquiring a nuclear weapon.

National Day Of Reconciliation
December 16th has symbolised conflict for decades in the history of South Africa. Since the African nation has achieved freedom and democracy, they have marked this day as a public holiday to promote nation building, social cohesion, unity and peace. An estimated 100,000 people gathered yesterday on the Golden Mile beachfront in Durban yesterday to celebrate ‘Reconciliation Day’ which has been established in South Africa as a public holiday to foster ties across racial divides and to promote unity and strengthen democracy in South Africa. President Zuma said, “In this era of promoting renewal we must promote the values of non-racialism, reconciliation and non-sexism among all our people, black and white”. Despite this, the president does not shy away from the fact that “South Africa still has a long way to go to rid the country of the remaining demons of racism, xenophobic and other social ills where they still rear their ugly head.” 

Words: Holly Davis. Ctrl.Alt.Shift reporter Holly is representing from Manchester.
Photo: Flikr user International Women's Health Coalition