Uganda Passes World's Harshest Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

May 30, 2023

Ugandan Members of Parliament celebrate after passing the anti-Homosexuality bill, during a sitting inside the Parliament Buildings, in Kampala, Uganda. [Image Source: REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa/File Photo]

Cited article by Reuters

HRRC condemns Uganda's anti-LGBTQ+ law. The new law promotes significant discrimination, punishing LGBTQ+ people with imprisonment and even the death penalty. Uganda must repeal this immediately to protect all Ugandans and follow international human rights law.

Article Summary

Uganda recently passed a law that punishes "aggravated homosexuality" with the death penalty. This law has been met with condemnation from Western countries including the US, UK, and Germany. The US has threatened to withdraw aid, issue sanctions, and is considering visa restrictions against select Ugandan officials. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni states that these threats are blackmail and a threat to Ugandan sovereignty.

The Ugandan president also said he doesn't view homosexuality as a constitutional right. Museveni specifically refers to homosexuality as a "sexual deviation". Ugandan rights activists and lawyers have already launched lawsuits against the government, stating the anti-LGBTQ+ law will encourage discrimination and stigmatization. Further, the law was passed allegedly without meaningful public participation and, thus, is not representative of all Ugandans.