The White House and the European Union (EU) have joined the United Nations (UN), Amnesty International and other human rights groups in condemning Uganda’s newly passed anti-homosexuality bill 2023 which has sparked mixed reactions worldwide.
The law that that would impose severe punishments on individuals who identify as lesbian, gays, trans, queer and others was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, receiving praises from proponents of the law as well as outrage from the opponents, raising the possibility of economic consequences if it is enacted.
“We have grave concerns with the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, AHA, by the Parliament of Uganda yesterday, and increasing violence targeting LGBTQIA+ persons,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “If the AHA is signed into law and enacted, it will impinge upon universal human rights, jeopardise progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, deter tourism and… damage Uganda’s international reputation.”
The Bill proposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which involves cases of sex involving those infected with HIV or involving minors or other vulnerable populations. The legislation also proposes life in prison for the offense of “homosexuality” and up to 10 years in jail for attempted homosexuality.
The EU spokesperson, Ms Nabila Massrali, tweeted: “Uganda: The EU is deeply concerned by the passing of an Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the Parliament. We will continue engaging with authorities and civil society to ensure that all individuals are treated equally.” The White House and the EU join the UN and other human rights bodies that earlier expressed similar concerns about the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
Mr Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement: “If signed into law by the President, it will render lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Uganda criminals simply for existing, for being who they are. It could provide carte blanche for the systematic violation of nearly all of their human rights and serve to incite people against each other.” He warned President Museveni not to promulgate the Bill into law.
Amnesty International has also called the Bill, which criminalises same-sex between consenting adults “appalling”, “ambiguous” and “vaguely worded”. Mr Tigere Chagutah, the Amnesty International’s director for East and Southern Africa, said: “This deeply repressive legislation will institutionalise discrimination, hatred, and prejudice against LGBTI people – including those who are perceived to be LGBTI – and block the legitimate work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders.”
Mr Adrian Jjuuko, the executive director of Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF), a local NGO that provides legal aid to LGBTI people in Uganda, said: “the added new provisions including child grooming, rehabilitation of homosexuals, punishment of child homosexuality, disqualification from employment, and disclosure of sexual offences record” are detrimental to the entire society. He also appealed to President Museveni not to sign the Bill into law.
The bill that now awaits President Museveni’s final decision was passed by parliament on Tuesday, March 21, 2022 where a quorum of 389 out 529 MPs voted for the bill (including 55 via zoom).
Speaker Anita Among has now revealed that she is receiving threats. The bill was introduced by Bigiri municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa who says he is fully prepared for the consequences.
On December 20, 2013, the 9th parliament passed a bill that was signed by President Museveni on February 24,2014 as Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014. This generated international uproar and Uganda’s Constitutional Court annulled it in August 2014.
Uganda’s LGBTQIA+ members’ population is not clear since most of them live in fear due to hostile environment and Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights-SRHR gaps in the country. Rise News Uganda can authoritatively report that there are many LGBTQIA+ members living in most urban centres in Western Uganda like Mbarara city, Ibanda municipality, Rukungiri, Kasese, and other parts of the country. Aaron Ainomugisha,SRHR & Community Affairs desk.
