News From Causecast

• Sweden To Cut Funding To Uganda Over Anti-Homosexuality Law

  by CLAIRE MORGENSTERN, Contributing Writer The Ugandan government is set to pass a bill condemning homosexuality. If it does, Sweden has threatened to withdraw the annual $50 million in aid it provides to the African country. The stipulations of the bill, introduced for the first time in October, would forbid providing resources for homosexuals or publishing information about homosexuality (punishable by up to seven years in prison), criminalize the work of national and international human rights defenders on behalf of individuals in Uganda, and compromise health organizations' abilities to provide HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. It also stipulates that any citizen who doesn't disclose the identities of all GLBT individuals they know could face imprisonment for up to three years. It insinuates that any individual that is a known homosexual, which the bill terms exhibiting “aggravated homosexuality,” will face the death penalty. “The 'anti-homosexuality bill' introduced in Uganda's parliament would violate human rights and should be withdrawn immediately,” Human Rights Watch reported in a news brief written on behalf of 17 local and international human rights organizations on Oct. 15. Critics of the bill believe that striking at what is already one of Uganda's most marginalized groups will only serve divide society, endanger homosexuals and homosexual culture, and potentially worsen the current AIDS epidemic. "Certain provisions in this bill are illegal; they are also immoral," said Kate Sheill, sexual rights expert for Amnesty international, in the news statement. Gunilla Carlsson, Sweden's minister of developmental assistance, called the bill “appalling” and stated that the bill, if passed, would put the $50 million that Uganda receives from Sweden in jeopardy. However, Carlsson also spoke of new ways to funnel money to needy populations in Uganda by working with NGOs, including those targeted by the new legislation, rather than directly with the Ugandan government. Leaders in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States have also denounced the proposed laws. Dr. Nsaba Buturo, minister for ethics and integrity in Uganda, defended not only the content of the bill itself, but also the country’s independence to draft laws that will govern its own people, regardless of the views of other countries from whom Uganda is receiving financial support. He chastised countries such as Sweden for providing such “conditional support” that, if withdrawn purely based on notions of homosexual ideology, will deny many of the country’s poorest citizens basic resources. David Bahati, the lawmaker who authored the bill, believes that the new legislation would promote family values and human rights, and that homosexuality was not one of those rights. International development experts have suggested that the introduction of the bill may be a sign that international donors have become less important since Uganda has become more involved in the oil industry and experienced steady economic growth over the last several decades. However, many also believe that the final draft of the bill will have some minor changes meant to appease donors, who together fund about one third of Uganda’s budget. Bahati maintains that the bill is about national dignity, and that money is not a factor. Others believe that the bill was introduced to strategically distract the public from issues of political corruption in light of the upcoming national vote in 2011, and that the impending vote may deter other nations and international organizations from taking action to impede the bill's progress. If passed, local and international gay rights activists and human rights organizations said that they would challenge the new law in constitutional court. Homosexuals are already persecuted under Uganda's existing laws, which allow police to arbitrarily arrest, detain and even torture individuals they believe have engaged in homosexual sex. Those who are suspected of being gay experience assault and death threats and are fired from their jobs and ostracized by their families and communities. Read the statement written by Human Rights Watch and endorsed by 16 other human rights organizations. E-mail the Ugandan Ambassadors to the U.S. and U.N. to encourage them to dismiss the anti-homosexuality bill. Photo by TSgt. Jeremy T. Lock, Wikimedia Commons. - 3 hours ago

• Google Earth Shows How California Will Be Affected By Climate Change

  by ELIZAH LEIGH, Contributing Writer As our planet continues to suffer from the adverse affects of global warming, the California Natural Resources Agency suggests that the west coast is in an especially precarious situation with increasingly higher temperatures, extended wildfires, steadily rising sea levels and prolonged droughts. In just the last century alone, Mother Nature has been acting out with a very tangible 7 inch increase in California's sea levels thanks to glacial melt-off butting heads with toasty seas. Add to that the fact that September 2009 was among the hottest months - at 73.3 degrees Fahrenheit - in the National Climatic Data Center's 115 year record keeping history. In a preemptive measure, the California National Resources Agency has teamed up with Governor Schwarzenegger to unveil the interactive Google Earth prototype, CalAdapt, which enables inquiring minds to view the anticipated dangers brought on by global warming right from the comfort and convenience of their own computer screens. Users gain the benefit of accessing precipitation, temperature and fire projections as well as visual representations of the impending disaster that awaits if we continue along our current path, such as the flooding of the majority of Silicon Valley. Arming the public with this educational tool could very well make those residing in the areas most vulnerable to natural disasters relocate sooner than later. That could have the benefit of saving lives and avoiding potential property damage down the road. Check out these before and after images of California landmarks. The "after" images project how the areas will look in 2100. According to these projections, AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants) will be submerged, along with San Francisco's scenic Treasure Island. Silicon valley, home to California's high-tech industries, is also projected to be submerged. Interested in offsetting climate change in California or whatever part of the globe you reside? Here are a few simple efforts that really add up over time: Be more accountable for your actions while getting a monetary pat on the back by registering your utility bill data with MyEex and Earth Aid. Get involved with organizations that actively fight global warming, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Save Our Environment and Friends Of The Earth. Reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you produce by weatherizing your home, adjusting your thermostat in the summer and winter by two degrees, switching to double-pane windows and utilizing renewable energy via solar, wind or other green sources. Volunteer with a local tree planting charity such as John Denver's Plant It 2020, The Arbor Day Foundation or Plant A Tree Today. Continually educate yourself, ask questions and remember that you are a global citizen. - 26 hours ago

• New York City: Green Power Is Only Three Clicks Away

  by SARAH NELSON, Contributing Writer New York City has launched a new website that allows residential and business consumers to switch to cleaner, renewable energy and they've made the switch as easy as 1,2,3. Green Power NYC is a collaborative effort between the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York to simplify green energy for consumers. The program will help New Yorkers reduce carbon emissions by allowing consumers to choose how green they want to go. In three clicks, they select their energy provider and what type of clean power they want to use. There's a couple decisions to make and a short form to fill out, then they are on their way to a greener New York City. Besides the obvious environmental perks, the program is also expected to increase economic development in the clean energy sector, and help avoid the construction of new fossil fuel power plants. The renewable energy option isn't free, but it's easy and New Yorkers will find that it's actually a really affordable option. Depending in their choice, the renewable selection costs between one and two and a half cents per kilowatt hour. That's good news for the city that never sleeps. In return consumers earn renewable energy credits that are tied to the renewable energy providers. The race to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy is quickly growing more hopeful with the launch of programs like Green Power NYC. As the renewable market grows, the ability for other cities to institute green energy options becomes more feasible. According to 2007 rankings, California had the trophy for having the most energy efficient cities. Oakland ranks number one, while San Francisco, Sacramento and San Jose tie for second. Currently, New York doesn't make the list (which was last compiled in 2007), but they're certainly on track to hold a place in future rankings. For information on renewable energy solutions in your area, contact your utilities provider and find out what your options are. If you live in New York City, visit Green Power NYC and make the switch. You're just three clicks away from cleaner energy. To find out what you can do to cut back your energy consumption, check out tips from We Can Solve It. Photo by Paraflyer, flickr. - 2 days ago

• Human Rights Activist, Denied Access Back Into China, Sets Up Protest In Airport

  by SARAH NELSON, Contributing Writer He's a man without a home. Well, he has a home - he's just not allowed to go back to it. Since June, Feng Zhenghu, an economist, author and human rights activist, has been denied re-entry into China eight times. Four of the times, it wasn't until arriving in China that he was refused the right to de-board the plane. Airlines, including U.S. based Northwest Airlines, have refused him boarding in Japan, citing orders from the Chinese government. In the meantime, Feng has made Tokyo's Narita International airport his home. His Japanese visa is still active, so he is technically allowed to leave the airport, but for Feng, the issue is a matter of principle. He lives in the airport as a form of protest and to raise awareness about his situation. Survival in the Narita's arrival concourse is a more difficult than you might expect. There aren't any restaurants, so Feng has relied on the kindness of other travelers and flight crews for meals. Japan has offered Feng asylum, but he has refused. Airport officials doubted Feng would last more than a few days on his mission for justice, but this week marks his second month as a resident of the airport. That's a long time without a shower. Officials say that airport security could escort Feng into Japan, but would rather he enter voluntarily. Feng keeps himself busy raising awareness about his situation to airport passerby and receives a great deal of support from the public he encounters. He also blogs and tweets about his experience. CNN investigates: Feng stays optimistic about his situation, saying "It's better than prison." And Feng would know. He spent three years in a Chinese prison. His stint in prison came after writing a book he said criticized Chinese regulations against foreign company investment in 2001. He was charged with "illegal business activities." As far as an explanation for his current predicament, the Chinese government hasn't offered a reason. Feng can only guess that his role as a vocal human rights activist probably has a lot to do with it. In 1989, Feng spoke out against the Tienanmen Square incident and found himself under investigation by the Chinese government several times throughout the 1990s. His most recent run-ins with government officials came earlier this year when he was detained in February for more than a month. Feng was detained again in June for what investigators called "intentionally disturbing public order.” Chinese officials have only responded to the current situation by saying, "China's relevant government agencies will adhere to appropriate regulations and entry-exit laws to address this issue." Until China changes its mind or Japan kicks him out of the airport, Feng is a citizen without a country. The U.N. has offered to help Feng establish political refugee status, which he has respectfully declined. President Obama's recent visit to China generated a fair amount of criticism for his soft approach to addressing China's human rights issues. Feng responds to such criticism by saying, "President Obama shouldn't bear the responsibility of improving human rights in China - he is the U.S. president, not the Chinese president. My view has always been China's problems have to be solved by us Chinese people." So Feng continues his own battle to empower China's one billion citizens to take their basic human rights into their own hands. For more information on the situation in Tokyo read Feng Zhenghu's full statement. Find out how you can help support the effort to get him back to China by checking out Initatives For China, a global effort to help secure a peaceful transition to democracy in the People's Republic of China. In the meantime, join Feng's Facebook group and follow him on Twitter to show your support. Photo by IsaacMao, flickr. - 2 days ago

• Daughtry Guitarist Auctions Off Guitar To Raise Money For Girl With Cancer

  by ERICA LIEPMANN, Causecast Associate Editor Three months ago, five year old Hayley Kudro was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. Her young life quickly changed from carefree playtime to chemo sessions and MRI scans. Struck by Hayley's story, her favorite band, Daughtry, offered to meet the girl and her family at a November concert in Philadelphia. Daughtry guitarist Brian Craddock was taken by the little girl and wanted to find a way to help her. He quickly hatched a plan to help Hayley's family foot the little girl's medical bills by auctioning off one of his personal guitars on eBay. From Hayley's mother's blog, her reaction to Brian's auction: We found out over the weekend the Brian, Hayley's favorite, from Daughtry put up one of his personal guitars on ebay. He is auctioning it off to raise money for Hayley. He is an amazing guy with an amazing family. All the guys from Daughtry are. You all have a very special place in our hearts. Thank you all. We also caught the half time show on Thanksgiving. Hayley and Aubrey were telling everyone who the guys were. There was also an awesome shot of Brian wearing Hayley's bracelet. She thought that was so cool. The eBay auction ends December 5! Make a bid or spread the word to a Daughtry fan near you... Read more about Hayley and Neuroblastoma. - 2 days ago

• Global Write-A-Thon Gathers Letters To Demand Release Of Imprisoned Human Rights Leaders

  by CLAIRE MORGENSTERN, Contributing Writer Kicking off December 5, Amnesty International's global write-a-thon is a week-long international letter-writing campaign to pressure international authorities to release journalists, politicians, activists, and other human rights defenders who have been unjustly imprisoned. The event is being held in honor of International Human Rights Day on December 10. Last year, 7,000 people in the United States alone sent tens of thousands of letters on behalf of political prisoners everywhere. In the last two years, participants' letters have contributed to the release of five individuals serving unjustified sentences. This year's cases include Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, Mansour Ossanlu of Iran, Rita Mahato of Nepal, and many more. Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the founder of the National League for Democracy (NLD), a democratic political party created to challenge the military junta that has ruled Burma since 1962. Once the party swept the general election in 1990, the junta refused to transfer power to Suu Kyu, and jailed hundreds of political activists. Suu Kyu herself has spent 14 of the last 19 years in some form of detention. After her case went to trial last May, she was wrongfully sentenced to 18 more months of house arrest. Mansour Ossanlu, head of the Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, has served several terms in prison for defending the human rights of workers against discrimination. He is currently serving a five year sentence for his contact with international trade organizations, which authorities ruled was a threat to national security and “propaganda against the system.” In addition, Ossanlu's health is poor, and prison staff have not allowed him to seek medical care for pre-existing medical conditions and new ones that have arisen as a result of the prison's poor conditions. As a health adviser at the Women's Rehabilitation Center (WOREC) in Nepal, Rita Mahato has spent her career helping women who have suffered acts of violence. As a result, Mahato has been threatened with death, rape, and kidnapping, and become a victim of violence herself - in June 2007, men threw bricks at her office, and then at her and her staff for two hours once they exited the building to confront the attackers. While the WOREC staff filed reports, police did not take action or offer protection. Mahato continues to be threatened and ostracized by her community because of the important work she does - and while most days she fears for her life, she refuses to quit. This year, Amnesty International has set a new goal of 350,000 letters - and they need your help to call for the release of Suu Kyi and Ossanlu, to offer support to Mahato, and to advocate for other extraordinary individuals that Amnesty International considers prisoners of conscience. Here's how it works: Register at http://www.amnestyusa.org. There, you'll be able to search for a letter-writing event in your area or learn how to host your own. You can also download more information on each leader who needs your help, including a sample letter and an address to which you can send your completed letters. If you aren't able to write letters, check out other ways you can commemorate International Human Rights Day. Photo by a.drian, flickr. - 2 days ago