The BBC has courted controversy by asking its website readers "Should homosexuals face execution?" "Yes, we accept it is a stark and disturbing question," says the BBC, "but this is the reality behind an anti-homosexuality bill being debated on Friday by the Ugandan parliament which would see some homosexual offences punishable by death." Replies to the question include several extreme homophobic views. "Totally agree. Ought to be imposed in the UK too, asap," wrote a reader named 'Chris'. "Bring back some respectable family values. Why do we have to suffer 'gay pride' festivals? Would I be allowed to organise a 'straight pride' festival? No, thought as much!! If homosexuality is natural, as we are forced to believe, how can they sustain the species? I suggest all gays are put on a remote island somewhere and left for a generation - after which, theoretically there should be none left!" Another comment read: "Bravo to the Ugandans for this wise decision, a bright step in eliminating this menace from your society. We hope other African nations will also follow your bold step." Some UK commentators have accused the BBC of "fanning the flames of hatred" with the debate. Many of the comments on the topic were damning of Uganda's anti-gay bill, however. "This is obscene, hypocritical, prejudiced nonsense. It is something from the Dark Ages," wrote a UK man. Another comment began: "I feel like I have just stepped in to a demonic parallel universe? Should homosexuals be executed??? And people are actually debating it! "People need to get a grip and educate themselves a little bit more."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 17th December 2009 - 10:45am