President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has enacted one of the most stringent anti-LGBTQ laws in the world, which includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” This move is speculated to be a direct challenge to the criticism from Western nations and the potential sanctions from aid donors. Although same-sex relationships were already illegal in Uganda, as in many other African countries, the new legislation takes it a step further. It not only imposes capital punishment for “repeat offenders” and individuals who transmit terminal illnesses like HIV/AIDS through homosexual activity, but also imposes a 20-year prison sentence for those who “promote” homosexuality.
The United States President, Joe Biden, condemned the move, describing it as a tragic violation of human rights. He pledged to assess the implications of the law on the entirety of U.S. engagement with Uganda and warned of potential sanctions and restrictions on entry into the United States for individuals involved in human rights abuses or corruption, reports say. Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist, expressed her disappointment, stating that the Ugandan president has effectively legalized state-sponsored discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
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President Museveni signed the law using a golden pen in a presidential photo. He has long regarded homosexuality as a departure from the norm and urged lawmakers to resist what he perceives as “imperialist” pressure. In response to the law, a local organization called Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum, along with ten individuals, filed a complaint with the constitutional court.
While Museveni initially sent the bill back to parliament requesting revisions, there was little doubt about his eventual approval. In Uganda, the law found substantial support. The potential consequences of this law are significant, as Uganda receives substantial foreign aid annually. Similar legislation nine years ago led to adverse measures from donors and investors.
The White House had condemned the bill when it was initially passed in March, and President Biden recently reiterated this sentiment, reports say. Expressing concern on the effect of the on Uganda’s economic growth, he announced that the U.S. National Security Council would evaluate the implications for all aspects of U.S. engagement with the country, including the delivery of services under the PEPFAR program, which focuses on HIV/AIDS.
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