Capehart: Death sentences for gays? Uganda be kidding me

Jonathan Capehart comments on Uganda's pending anti-homosexuality bill:

If the law passes, Uganda should be punished by the international community. I would love for the U.S. to strip the country of foreign aid. Nothing focuses the mind like cash deprivation. But as my editor wisely points out, the power elite wouldn't suffer. More than 30 percent of the population lives in abject poverty.

Could things be better in the U.S.? Absolutely. The ban on gays serving openly in the military should be overturned. So should the so-called defense of marriage act. Job discrimination based on sexual orientation should be outlawed nationwide. These goals are achievable because, at its core, this nation and its people are ruled by fairness and respect for human dignity. Changes won't come easy, but they will with equal helpings of patience and persistence. Ugandans don't have that luxury.

This last point is an important one. The courage of LGBT activists in Africa is a humbling thing to watch. Those of us with greater freedom should keep them in mind and put our advantages to good use.