House members are urging President Obama to speak out against a proposed anti-gay bill currently before the Ugandan Parliament, the Minnesota Independent reported.

“The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2009 is by far the most extreme and hateful attempt by an African country to criminalize the LGBT community,” the letter says.

The bill would strengthen the criminal penalties for having gay sex in a country where it is already illegal. It also includes a death penalty provision for repeat offenders and people who are HIV-positive, and would ban the “promotion of homosexuality,” which would effectively outlaw political organizations, broadcasters and publishers that advocate on behalf of gay rights.

The ninety representatives called on Obama to speak out against the bill.

“Specifically, we ask that you speak out publicly against this proposed legislation to bring further attention to the issue.”

“Also, given your popularity in Africa, speaking out publicly against Uganda and Rwanda's proposed anti-homosexuality legislation is likely to garner more concern and attention from not only African nations but internationally. We further ask that you give diplomatic weight to your call for homosexuality to be decriminalized worldwide.”

The letter is signed by openly gay representatives Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Jared Polis of Colorado.

Strong gay allies that have signed on to the letter include representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, Mike Quigley of Illinois, Jerrold Nadler of New York, Michael M. Honda of California, Alcee Hastings of Florida, Jim McDermott of Washington, Pete Stark of California and Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is the highest-ranking cabinet member to condemn the proposed legislation.