Uganda to pass anti-gay bill: official

The speaker of Uganda's parliament says an anti-homosexual bill will be passed before the end of 2012 despite international criticism of the draft legislation.

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga told The Associated Press on Monday that the bill, which originally mandated death for some gay acts, will become law this year since most Ugandans "are demanding it."

Kadaga said she promised as much before a meeting on Friday of activists who spoke of "the serious threat" posed by homosexuals and demanded the law as "a Christmas gift."

Pepe Julian Onziema, a Ugandan gay activist, said the new push to pass the law was frustrating.

President Barack Obama has described the bill as "odious" and some European countries have threatened to cut aid to Uganda if it passes.