Uganda’s ‘Middle Ages’: A law against homosexuality was enacted

deputies in Uganda They voted for a controversial one Anti-LGBTQI+ billwhich makes homosexual acts punishable by death, which drew strong condemnation from human rights advocates.

All but two of the 389 MPs voted late Tuesday (21/03) in favor of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. which provides for the death penalty and life imprisonment On same-sex sexuality and “recruitment, promotion and financing” Homosexual “activities”.

“The death penalty shall be imposed on anyone who commits the crime of aggravated homosexuality”says the bill, which was presented by Rubina Rwakogo, Head of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Just two deputies From the ruling party, Fox Odoi Oyelowo and Paul Kwezira Busiana, He opposed the new legislation.

“It is poorly designed, contains unconstitutional provisions, undoes progress in combating gender-based violence, and criminalizes people rather than behaviors that run counter to all known legal norms.”pointed out Fox Odoi-Oywelowo.

The first version of the anti-homosexuality bill drew international criticism and was later invalidated by the Ugandan Constitutional Court, on procedural grounds. Now, the bill will go to Chief of state , MuseveniAnd Who can object or sign for it. in a final letter, He seems to support the bill.

A tragic day in Uganda’s history

The bill marks the latest in a series of setbacks for LGBTI+ rights in Africa, where homosexuality is illegal in most countries. In Uganda, a largely conservative Christian country, same-sex sex was already punishable by life imprisonment.

Human rights activists have previously denounced the “law of hate”, as they described it. “Today is a tragic day in the history of Uganda. Parliament approved a bill that incites hatred and aims to deny LGBT people their basic rights.”I wrote on Twitter Sarah CasandeLawyer and human rights activist, stressing that the provisions of the law are barbaric and unconstitutional.

added: “to LGBTQ+ Community, I know this is a tough day, but please don’t lose hope. The battle is not over yet. This disgusting law will eventually be abolished.”

LGBT activist Eric Ndola tweeted: «Today’s events in Parliament are not only immoral, but an outright assault on humanity. It is appalling that our MPs’ governance is shrouded in hate and homophobia. Who benefits from this draconian law? “

More than 110 LGBT people in Uganda reported incidents including arrests, sexual violence, eviction and public dispossession of the Uganda Sexual Minority Advocacy Group (Smug) in February alone. The organization said that trans people have been disproportionately affected.

President Museveni said last month that Uganda would not embrace homosexuality, arguing that the West seeks to force other countries to “normalize” what he called “perversions”.

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