The parliament in Uganda passed a new law that makes it a crime to identify as gay, and imposes tough sentences that include the death penalty in certain cases.
MPs in Uganda have passed a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which would make homosexual acts punishable by death, attracting strong condemnation from rights campaigners.
The bill, which was accepted with applause in the parliament, envisages long prison sentences for homosexuals. The bill imposes the responsibility to report homosexuals to their families and friends. The bill also criminalises giving financial aid to organisations defending LGBT rights and publishing all kinds of publications in favour of LGBT rights.
“A person who commits the offence of aggravated homosexuality and is liable, on conviction to suffer death,” reads the bill presented by Robina Rwakoojo, the chairperson for legal and parliamentary affairs.
An earlier version of the bill prompted widespread international criticism and was later nullified by Uganda’s constitutional court on procedural grounds. The bill will now go to President Yoweri Museveni, who can veto or sign it into law. In a recent speech he appeared to express support for the bill.
‘It clearly violates fundamental human rights’
Human rights campaigners have condemned the new move to enact the harsh law, describing it as “hate legislation”. “It is disappointing that parliament has once again passed a bill that clearly violates fundamental human rights,” said Oryem Nyeko, a researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“The provisions of the anti-homosexuality bill are barbaric, discriminatory and unconstitutional. To the LGBTIQ community, I know this is a difficult day, but please don’t lose hope. The battle is not over; this repugnant bill will ultimately be struck down.”
LGBTİQ activist Eric Ndawula tweeted, tweeted: “Today’s events in parliament are not just immoral, but a complete assault on humanity. It’s frightening that our MPs’ judgment is clouded by hate & homophobia. Who benefits from this draconian law?”
Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, a lesbian activist in Kampala, said efforts to overturn the legislation would continue. “We shall continue to fight this injustice. This lesbian woman is Ugandan even this piece of paper will [not] stop me from enjoying my country. Struggle just begun,” said Nabagesera in a tweet.
UN and US join chorus of condemnation against Uganda’s hardline anti-LGBT bill
The United Nations and United States added to international outrage over a hardline bill passed by Ugandan lawmakers that criminalizes simply identifying as LGBTQ+, prescribes a life sentence for convicted homosexuals and a death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken slammed the bill, which would “undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” he tweeted on Wednesday. “We urge the Ugandan Government to strongly reconsider the implementation of this legislation.”
Sources: Guardian, CNN, Reuters