Tough Anti-Gay Laws in Uganda
Western nations have expressed shock at the Ugandan law against homosexual acts, which includes the death penalty for “serious homosexuality.” Sex with HIV-infected individuals, minors under 18, as well as vulnerable persons at risk of being infected with HIV, are among the activities punishable by death under the new law. Homosexual acts have previously been illegal, and offenders could be imprisoned for life.
US President Joe Biden called for the immediate repeal of the law, stating that no one should live in constant fear or face violence and discrimination. The US government intends to review its trade agreement with Uganda, which provides duty-free access to the US market for numerous products.
Biden also stated that sanctions against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption would be considered. According to the US government’s figures, it invests nearly $1 billion in Uganda every year.
World Leaders Express Criticism
Germany’s Foreign Ministry tweeted that the law enshrines a “blatant violation” of human rights and must be revoked. Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Development, emphasized that the law also violated the principles set out in the African Union’s Charter. Furthermore, the law has implications for international aid work: “In addition to the blatant disregard for human dignity, the law also has implications for the work of international partners on the ground, which we must now review together,” Schulze added.
The EU also expressed concern, and the Netherlands have suspended €25m in promised funds.
Challenges and Opposition to the Law
The new legislation also makes “attempted serious homosexuality” a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Persons or groups that advocate for homosexual persons, such as activist groups, can be punished with up to 20 years in prison. The law has the support of many Ugandans.
A month ago, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni sent a first version of the bill back to parliament, expressing concerns that the law could be legally challenged. In its original version, it would have also criminalized homosexuals who voluntarily sought medical treatment. Parliament has now changed this issue in the second version of the law.
A group of Ugandan LGBT activists and lawyers filed a petition with the Constitutional Court in Kampala to challenge the law a few hours after its signing. The country had witnessed an increase in anti-gay sentiment after reports of homosexual sexual activity in boarding schools.
Human rights organizations and activists have already announced plans to challenge the law in court. In 2014, a similar move by parliament for an anti-homosexuality law was struck down by the Constitutional Court.
UNAIDS and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and Global Fund warned of the harmful impact of the legislation on public health and HIV management. “Uganda’s progress in responding to HIV is now seriously jeopardized,” they said in a joint statement.