Should Uganda be stopped from taking part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland?

[MMcGuire]

Homosexuals face life imprisonment, been murdered and tortured. I personally believe that a message should be given that Scotland doesn't tolerant human rights abuses. You don't need to be homosexual to fight against these abuses.

Can you envision a life where your love for your partner could get you imprisoned or tortured. As a heterosexual man I can't imagine living where if I showed love to my wife would get me imprisoned or killed. Just fills me with horror.

[LuvNewcastle]

1. Unless they have an event for persecuting gay people, I think

the Ugandans should be left out of the games. Their presence would not only upset the viewers of the games, but other athletes as well. Until Ugandans demonstrate that they respect everyone's right to exist, they should be excluded from international events.

[Violet_Crumble]

2. Yes. Definitely n/t

[sibelian]

3. I think that's a great idea but I wonder if it would be likely to happen.

I strongly suspect that the standard response woul dbe that it "sets a dangerous precedent."

[Violet_Crumble]

4. The precendent's already been set...

And I think it should be more than suspension from the Games, and Uganda should be suspended from the Commonwealth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_from_the_Commonwealth_of_Nations

[seveneyes]

5. Yes, and more

Sanctions too.

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. It's not just Uganda

That's, for Commonwealth countries:
Sierra Leone
Ghana
Nigeria
Cameroon
Namibia
Botswana
Zambia
Mozambique
Malawi
Tanzania
Kenya
Uganda

Plus, outside Africa, India, Bangaldesh, Pakistan, technically (the article says the law is rarely enforced), Sri Lanka

In fact, 41 out of 53 Commonwealth countries. Uganda may now have the most extreme penalties, but I doubt the majority of countries would agree that makes them ban-worthy if they have laws with slightly less harsh punishments.

[theHandpuppet]

7. The persecution of LGBTs in Nigeria and Cameroon is about as bad as Uganda

What's the difference?

Nigeria and Cameroon have oil.

[MMcGuire]

10. No one has suggested otherwise.

[Paladin]

8. Absolutely. (nt)

[dembotoz]

9. perhaps invite the picket

if the protest demonstration were to receive good press coverage

[jwirr]

11. IMO every little bit helps.