Abnormal behavior which may be learned

The nasty Uganda anti-gay bill is back in the news. Last we heard last month, President Museveni had scolded Parliament for passing the bill without a quorum. But it looks like Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of Parliament, is aiming to run for the presidency when elections are held in 2016. Since the anti-gay bill is popular with voters the speaker's push for it would give her an edge over the president. And he very much wants a 7th five-year term. So assenting to the bill balances the political advantage.

To give him cover the president asked a team of Ugandan scientists to explore the basis for homosexuality. The summary:

1. There is no definitive gene responsible for homosexuality.
2. Homosexuality is not a disease but merely an abnormal behavior which may be learned through experiences in life.
3. In every society, there is a small number of people with homosexuality tendencies.
4. Homosexuality can be influenced by environmental factors e.g. culture, religion and peer pressure among others.
5. The practice needs regulation like any other human behavior especially to protect the vulnerable.
6. There is need for further studies to address sexuality in the African context.

A bit of translation (full analysis here):
1. Other factors that Western scientists have found might be in play were dismissed.
2. Note the "abnormal" and "learned" phrases.
4. This is a list of ways that homosexuality might be "learned."
5. Because it can be "learned" but apparently not "unlearned" we've got to protect the children.
6. Should an "African context" affect science?

And that document, incomplete and shoddy by Western standards, is apparently enough to allow Museveni to grant his assent.

Though the president has said in the past he isn't exactly in favor of the bill, asking lawmakers to "go slow," he now seems to embrace it. That's in spite of the international condemnation he'll receive.

It seems the president's people will quietly challenge the anti-gay bill in court. Given that the constitution is "largely progressive" the court may overturn it. So the president gets the adulation of the populace for signing the bill while the court takes the hit. Ah, politics.