JOHANNESBURG — South Africa's retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Sunday made an impassioned plea to Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni not to sign into law a harsh anti-homosexuality bill that calls for a life sentence for some same-sex relations.
Tutu, a Nobel peace prize winner, said in a statement that Museveni a month ago had pledged not to allow the anti-gay legislation to become law in Uganda. But last week Museveni said he had reconsidered and would consult scientists on whether homosexuality is determined by genetics or by a person's choice.
Tutu said he is "disheartened" by Museveni's new position because there is "no scientific basis or genetic rationale for love ... There is no scientific justification for prejudice and discrimination, ever."
Tutu urged Museveni to strengthen Uganda's "culture of human rights and justice."