Ugandan president signs one of world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws

One of the world’s most aggressive pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has come into effect in Uganda, after the country’s president signed a bill passed by MPs earlier this month.

The new bill imposes the death penalty for what it calls ‘aggravated homosexuality’, a vaguely defined term that is said to include having gay sex while HIV positive and seducing someone through ‘misrepresentation’.

People may also be sentenced to 20 years in prison for ‘recruitment, promotion and funding’ of same-sex ‘activities’, while ‘attempted aggravated homosexuality’ can result in a 14-year sentence.

President Yoweri Museveni’s spokesman confirmed his signing earlier today, following an announcement by the parliament’s speaker Anita Among on Twitter.

The news was met with worldwide condemnation, coming after months of warnings from Western governments, businesses and human rights groups that such a move would turn Uganda into a pariah and cause an enormous amount of unnecessary suffering.

In a tweet, the United Nations Human Rights office said: ‘We are appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law.

‘It is a recipe for systematic violations of the rights of LGBT people & the wider population.

‘It conflicts with the Constitution and international treaties and requires urgent judicial review.’

Joe Biden urged the immediate repeal of the law, describing it as a ‘tragic violation of universal human rights’.

In her announcement, Among wrote that the legislation would ‘protect the sanctity of family’ and ‘defend the culture, values and aspirations of our people’.

However, Ugandan human rights activist Steven Kabuye said he was ‘deeply concerned’ about the effects of the law.

He said: ‘This law violates basic human rights and sets a dangerous precedent for discrimination and persecution against the LGBTQ+ community.

‘Let us stand together in solidarity and fight against bigotry and hate.’

Same-sex relationships were already against the law in Uganda before the signing of the bill, as they are in more than half of countries in Africa.

The original version of the bill was passed in March, but it was sent back to legislators after Museveni – a fierce opponent of LGBTQ+ rights who has ruled Uganda for more than 37 years – asked for certain provisions to be toned down.

In the amended bill, which was approved by the Kampala parliament on May 2, it is stipulated that just identifying as LGBTQ+ is not a crime.

Several organisations have expressed concern that the law will impact the fight against HIV and AIDS in the country.

In a joint statement released today, the leaders of the Global Fund, UNAIDS and PEPFAR said: ‘The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat.

‘The stigma and discrimination association with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services.

‘Trust, confidentiality, and stigma-free engagement are essential for anyone seeking health care.

‘LGBTQI+ people in Uganda increasingly fear for their safety and security, and increasing numbers of people are being discouraged from seeking vital health services for fear of attack, punishment and further marginalisation.’

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