12/18/09: From the Director of BBC World Service:
"The original headline on our website was, in hindsight, too stark. We apologise for any offence it caused. But it's important that this does not detract from what is a crucial debate for Africans and the international community.
The programme was a legitimate and responsible attempt to support a challenging discussion about proposed legislation that advocates the death penalty for those who undertake certain homosexual activities in Uganda - an important issue where the BBC can provide a platform for debate that otherwise would not exist across the continent and beyond"
The BBC does not understand that the nature of this poll is not only offensive, but provides a platform for homophobic and violent attitudes.
12/16/09: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the subject of controversy over their latest 'Have Your Say' section asking "should homosexuals should face execution?"
The site discusses how Uganda is debating the death penalty for homosexuals, and asks users to weigh in.
Naturally this has brought up many intensely homophobic and some violent commentary. This is not a 'debate' to be had, and since it incites hatred and violence against LGBT people, this is totally unacceptable. The BBC has a rule against users leaving homophobic comments, yet many remain on the forum.
Voice your concerns with the BBC complaint form.
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