Uganda Signs Tough Anti-Gay Law, With Death Penalty In Some Cases

This blog originally appeared at Huff Post.

The legislation has been widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad.

In Kampala, Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has signed a new anti-gay legislation into law, receiving support from many within the country but facing strong condemnation from rights activists and others internationally.

The final version of the law does not criminalize individuals based on their LGBTQ identity, addressing a key concern raised by campaigners. The earlier draft of the legislation was widely criticized for its severe violation of human rights.

While the specific details of the new law are not provided, it is important to note that Uganda has a history of enacting legislation that targets the LGBTQ community, which has faced significant discrimination and persecution in the country.

The signing of this law has sparked renewed discussions and debates surrounding human rights, LGBTQ rights, and the treatment of marginalized communities in Uganda and globally. International organizations and activists continue to advocate for the protection of human rights and the promotion of equality and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

But the new law still prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people. A suspect convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” can be imprisoned for up to 14 years, according to the legislation.

Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among said in a statement that the president had “answered the cries of our people” in signing the bill.

“With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country,” the statement said.

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