Uganda's PresidentYoweriMuseveni, a devout evangelical Christian signed off Monday one of the world's toughest anti-gay laws, defying warnings from Western donors.The signing of the law came despite intense criticism from world leaders such as US President Barack Obama and UN chief Ban-ki Moon. Ban-ki Moonwarned that the law could encourage prejudice, harassment and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.He said, "Everyone is entitled to enjoy the same basic rights and live a life of worth and dignity without discrimination." Obama,who has lobbied to expand rights for gay Americans and supports same-sex marriage, was deeply disappointed by Uganda's move.Obama said, “People should be treated equally and should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love." He warned that ties between Kampala and Washington would be damaged.

Some donors like Netherlands, Denmark and Norway were quick to punish Kampala by freezing or redirecting aid money.Even the Pope supported the rights for the gays. President Museveniwithstanding said, "Outsiders cannot dictate to us, this is our country,I advise friends from the West not to make this an issue, because if they make it an issue the more they will lose." The new law holds that repeat homosexuals should be jailed for life,it forbids the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce gays.Homosexuality is taboo in many African countries. It is illegal in 37 nations on the continent, and activists say that few Africans are openly gay, fearing imprisonment, violence and loss of their jobs. David Bahati, the lawmaker behind the bill said, "We thank our president for taking such a bold move despite pressure from a section of foreign organisations. The law is for the good of Uganda, the present and the future generations." The HIV/AIDS fatal disease comes from this lifestyle.

Jerry Luquire, president of the Georgia Christian Coalition said, "There is no right way to do a wrong thing, and a marriage between a man and a man and between a woman and a woman is simply wrong. Each person is entitled to his basic rights and beliefs but it is also a fact that there exists a commandment from the only high authority of all authorities, the God of the Bible. Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed by God and it was not a myth. Whether we believe or not, or we obey or disobey it is up to us. The only reality is there will come a time of judgment. Everyone will then be reckoned who is right or wrong.

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Arecent protest, organised by ITF affiliates the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Unite the Union, and backed by ITF inspectors, accused the British Condor Ferries company of "social dumping", by paying lower wages to the non-European Union crews it employs making them work longer hours and giving them shorter leave than it would do to British seafarers, who are covered by the UK's minimum wage. Ken Fleming,the UK and Ireland ITF coordinator said: “This demonstration is in solidarity with their plight and in protest at the behaviour of the company at treating them this way.”