Dozens of LGBTQ and intersex rights activists gathered outside the Ugandan embassy in Northwest D.C. on Tuesday to demand an end to the Anti-Homosexuality Act that has been passed by the Ugandan Parliament. The act, if signed into law, would impose the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and require Ugandans to report LGBTQ-specific activities to authorities. The protesters chanted slogans such as “Museveni, hear us now, we are queer and trans and proud” and “human rights, not hate. Museveni kill the bill” as they stood in front of the embassy.
The protest was attended by notable figures such as Health GAP Executive Director Asia Russell, Green Leadership Trust Executive Director Emira Woods, and Human Rights Campaign Senior International Policy Associate Andrea Gillespie. The activists condemned the rising tide of hate exported by religious fundamentalists to countries like Uganda and beyond, which is now threatening the lives of millions of people in Uganda and beyond, including queer and trans individuals, people who are defending basic freedoms and liberties, the people who queer people love, their families, and essentially everybody who loves freedom in the country of Uganda.
Protests against the Anti-Homosexuality Act also took place in New York, London, New Delhi, and other cities around the world as part of an “Emergency Day of Action”. Planned Parenthood Global also stood in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda and human rights for all, and called for the end of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
President Yoweri Museveni sent the Anti-Homosexuality Act back to Parliament for additional consideration before he signs it. The measure has been criticized by various individuals and organizations such as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the independent U.N. expert on LGBTQ and intersex issues Victor Madrigal-Borloz, and Jessica Stern, the special U.S. envoy for the promotion of LGBTQ and intersex rights abroad. The Biden-Harris administration is also investing the potential impact of the Anti-Homosexuality Act on U.S. foreign assistance.
The State Department has spoken quite clearly about the legislation broadly, with State Department Vedant Patel stating that any legislation that reduces or retracts the basic human rights for those of the LGBTQI+ community is something that the United States certainly would take issue on. While Patel declined to comment on whether the U.S. will cut aid to Uganda if Museveni signs the Anti-Homosexuality Act, the international community’s condemnation of the proposed law sends a strong message to Uganda and other countries that are considering similar measures.