Canada Threatens to Cut Ties with Uganda Over Anti-Gay Bill

Canada has threatened to cut ties with Uganda over the anti-gay bill, which penalizes anyone who aids or abets a known homosexual, and punishes homosexuality with life imprisonment. Uganda's President Museveni told lawmakers over the weekend that he planned to sign the bill.

President Obama condemned the bill and warned that it would "complicate our valued relationship" with the country. Ugandan officials subsequently accused Obama of "blackmail" for the warnings.

The WSJ reports that it may strain relations with other countries as well, including Canada, which has expressed its displeasure:

Alintuma Nsambu, Uganda's envoy to Canada, said in an interview Wednesday that he had been summoned by the Canadian Foreign Ministry to explain why Canada shouldn't sever diplomatic ties with Uganda over the antigay bill. He said he had communicated Canada's concerns to the Ugandan government. The Canadian consulate in Kampala didn't immediately respond to calls and emails seeking to confirm the meeting.