Uganda Has Been Condemned By Joe Biden, The UK Government And World Leaders Over The Deadly Anti-Gay Bill
May 30, 2023Uganda has been condemned by Western governments, activists and LGBTQ+ groups after President Yoweri Museveni enacted the deadly anti-homosexuality law.
The country’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is among the toughest in the world, with the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and possible life imprisonment for engaging in gay sex.
The new law defines “aggravated homosexuality” as same-sex sexual activity involving people who are HIV positive or disabled, as well as non-consensual criminal sexual activity towards children and people who are drugged against their will.
Uganda’s parliament in March passed an earlier version of the bill, which included provisions that would make it illegal to identify solely as LGBTQ+, to rapturous applause from bipartisan lawmakers.
This clause was later removed by the legislature and the law was passed a second time. Otherwise, the bill remains essentially the same.
According to ‘UK Daily News’, Western governments were quick to warn the East African country and threatened sanctions.
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US President Joe Biden called the bill a shameful and “tragic violation of universal human rights” and called it part of a growing trend of “human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda”.
The President said: “Since the introduction of the anti-homosexuality law, reports of violence and discrimination against Ugandans who are or are perceived as LGBTQI+ have increased.
“Innocent Ugandans are now afraid to go to hospitals, clinics or other facilities to receive life-saving medical care lest they become the target of hateful reprisals.”
“Some have been evicted from their homes or laid off from their jobs. And the prospect of more serious threats – including lengthy prison terms and violence [and] Abuse – threatens scores of Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom.”
He went on to say that the dangers posed by this “democratic backsliding” pose a threat to everyone in Uganda, including US government officials, US partner agency workers and tourists.
The White House will assess the law and the United States’ engagement with the East African country, with the possibility of imposing sanctions and restricting entry into the US for Ugandan lawmakers implicated in human rights abuses.
In the UK, Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for Development and Africa, said Westminster was “appalled” by the new law.
Mitchell, representing Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, added: “This legislation undermines the protections enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution and the freedoms of all Ugandans.
“It will increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, set back the fight against HIV/AIDS and damage Uganda’s international reputation.”
The British government opposes the death penalty in all forms, he stressed, and will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of Ugandans.
A spokesman for the United Nations Human Rights Commission called: “We are appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay law is now law. It is a recipe for systematic violations of the rights of LGBT people and the general public.
“It is contrary to the Constitution and international treaties and requires urgent judicial review.”
Meanwhile, Arthur Kayima, a queer Ugandan human rights activist, called the legislation abhorrent and deadly.
“Rather than focus on the real problems Uganda is facing – poverty, poor infrastructure, bad economy, domestic violence – Museveni [causes] “Distraction by attacking our basic right to exist,” he said.
“I’m scared for my community. How many of us are imprisoned, beaten, or further pushed into the shadows of society because of this legislation? how many will die
“All who believe in our rights must fight this legislation and the forces behind it with all necessary means,” he demanded.
Ugandan LGBTQ+ activist Kasha Nabagesera, now based in the United States, said that her heart was broken by the passage of the bill, but that she “will fight until justice is done.”
Mike Podmore, director of UK-based HIV, health and rights network Stopaids, said the bill was a “direct attack on human rights” as well as a “public health threat that will decimate the HIV response”.
He continued: “We must do everything we can to persuade Uganda to take this regressive step, which could have a domino effect on other countries in the region and lead to further backsliding on LGBTQI+ rights, including Kenya, Ghana and Burundi.”
“Governments around the world must act immediately to enforce gay rights and ensure the safety of LGBTQI+ Ugandans by ensuring frontline services are supported and safe asylum provided wherever needed.”
Stonewall UK Managing Director Nancy Kelley continued to write: “This makes me sad for the world we live in and especially for LGBTQ+ Ugandans and their loved ones.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
Ugandan President Signs Anti-LGBTQ+ Law With Death Penalty For Same-Sex Acts
Uganda Parliament Passes Harsh Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Mostly Unchanged
Ugandan President Calls On Africa To “Save The World From Homosexuality”
Ugandan Lawmakers Approve New Anti-Homosexuality Bill
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