UGANDA PARLIAMENT PASSES STRICT ANTI-LGBTQ LAW
KAMPALA, AFRICA (REUTERS) MAY 2, 2023
Uganda's parliament on Tuesday passed one of the world's strictest anti-LGBTQ bills mostly unchanged, including provision for long jail terms and the death penalty, after the president requested some parts of the original legislation be toned down.
STRICTEST ANTI-LGBTQ BILLS
Uganda's strict LGBTQ law is once again making headlines, sparking outrage and concern among human rights advocates and activists around the world. The law, officially known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act, was first introduced in 2013, and was subsequently struck down by Uganda's Constitutional Court in 2014. However, in 2019, a revised version of the law was passed by Uganda's parliament, sparking renewed controversy and condemnation.
Under the new law, same-sex relations are considered a criminal offense punishable by life imprisonment. In addition, anyone who "aids, abets, counsels, or procures another to engage in homosexuality" can also be imprisoned up to 7 years. Aggravated Gay sex (defined as an individuals who have sex with HIV or have AIDS could be put to death). The law also criminalizes the "promotion" of homosexuality, which is broadly defined as any public statement or action that is seen as advocating for LGBTQ rights or challenging traditional gender norms.
The passage of the law in 2019 was met with widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, as well as from many governments around the world. The United States, Canada, and several European countries issued statements condemning the law, and some threatened to cut off aid to Uganda if it was not repealed. However, the Ugandan government remained steadfast in its support of the law, arguing that it was necessary to protect the country's traditional values and cultural norms.
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