The Ugandan parliament has reintroduced a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, prompting strong condemnation from rights campaigners. The draft law seeks to punish gay sex and “the promotion or recognition of such relations”. Asuman Basalirwa, an opposition MP, described homosexuality as a “cancer” and claimed that it offends the laws of Uganda and threatens the sanctity of the family and the safety of children.
At a prayer service held in parliament, Speaker Anita Among expressed her disapproval of western countries and donors who support LGBTQ rights, saying “we do not appreciate the fact that they are killing morals. We do not need their money, we need our culture.” Uganda is a largely conservative Christian country where homosexual sex is already punishable by life imprisonment. The original draft bill called for the death penalty for gay sex.
Rights campaigners have condemned the new move to enact the harsh law, describing it as “hate legislation”. The legislation widens the definition of homosexuality to include “holding out” as LGBTQ, effectively criminalizing sexual orientation and identity. “It’s simply a law intended to persecute and demonise LGBT persons,” said Adrian Jjuuko, executive director of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum. Hate crimes against LGBTQ people are common in Uganda, including physical and sexual assault, blackmail, and extortion.
President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his opposition to homosexuality and called for an end to attempts by the west to “normalise” what he called “deviations”. Rights groups have expressed concern that the new legislation will increase violence against LGBTQ people, who are already facing significant violence and discrimination in Uganda. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with human rights organizations and activists calling on the government to respect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.