Republican congressman Tim Walberg sparked outrage online for his speech in Uganda. Consequently, the congressman is facing criticism on social media for declaring support for Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The bill, widely called the “Kill the Gays” law, has become a debatable topic in the court of public opinion.
Salon, a liberal news organization, reported that Walberg traveled to Uganda in October and delivered a speech. There, the congressman spoke about his support for the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ law.
“Though the rest of the world is pushing back on you, though other major countries are trying to get into you and ultimately change you, stand firm. Stand firm,” Walberg said about Uganda’s anti-homosexuality law while delivering a speech at Uganda’s National Prayer Breakfast.
According to the liberal news outlet, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni said that Walberg “thinks like us” following his speech. According to reports, Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which seeks to criminalize homosexuality, in May.
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In addition, the bill includes the possibility of the death penalty for individuals found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality.” Consequently, the report prompted many social media users to criticize Walberg for his trip and comments.
Following the backlash and social media outrage, Newsweek emailed Walberg’s press office for comment. “Rep. Tim Walberg, a co-chair of the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast, went to Uganda to support its Anti-Homosexuality Act, which has a death penalty,” Bill Kristol of Defending Democracy Together, wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“The sponsors of the Prayer Breakfast paid for his trip. Time to shun the National Prayer Breakfast?” Following the response from Kristin, social media expressed their displeasure with the congressman’s trip to Uganda. However, X users condemned Walberg for his speech and support for the inhumane Uganda bill.
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One X user, Juan Cole, said, “Tim Walberg would execute 10% of Americans if he could.” Another X user, MelissaLoGic17, wrote, “Michigan Rep Tim Walberg is a disgrace! Shame on you!!” Similarly, X user @Serps reposted a video of Walberg’s speech, condemning it.
He said, “NBD, just Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg), supporting the death penalty for gay people.” Also, X user @DGForDemocracy called for Walberg’s impeachment, saying he is a “#traitor.” Other X users also took to the Elon Musk-owned platform to express their opinions.
While some criticized Walberg for supporting the discriminatory bill, others called him out for wasting taxpayers’ money on trips. One X user, @kumaichi523, said, “HEY @TimWalberg @RepWalberg, DO YOUR CONSTITUENTS KNOW YOU ARE WASTING THEIR TAX DOLLARS ON TRIPS TO UGANDA?”
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While Walberg declared support for the bill, Biden, on the other hand, criticized it. Following the passage of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the move. “The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights,” Biden wrote in his statement.
According to CNN, the recent Uganda bill is similar to another law they attempted to pass in 2014. However, those in opposition are challenging the law in court. In March, Walberg sought to include a measure in the Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their (PROTECT) Kids Act.
The Act requires schools to get parents’ consent before students change their preferred pronouns. Although Walberg authored the PROTECT Kids Act, his support of the Uganda bill has set tongues wagging regarding the congressman’s anti-LGBTQ views.
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