Uganda's president signs controversial LGBTQ bill into law
Online as of 12:49 p.m. today
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has signed an anti-LGBTQ law that has been sharply criticized internationally. He signed a slightly amended version of the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023," which was introduced by parliament in early May, according to parliament and the presidential office.
The new bill clarifies that calling oneself homosexual is not yet a crime. Only "engaging in homosexual acts" constitutes an offense punishable by life imprisonment.
Contrary to the President's request, Parliament retained the passage to declare cases of "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offense, meaning that repeat offenders could be punished by death. Although the death penalty is enshrined in Uganda's constitution, it has not been applied for many years.
Internationally harsh criticism
Internationally, the law has been sharply criticized, including by the U.S., the EU and human rights groups. However, it enjoys widespread public support in Uganda. Homosexuality was still criminalized in Uganda during colonial times. However, there has never been a conviction for consensual same-sex contact since independence in 1962.
Among other things, the new law provides for up to 20 years in prison for "knowingly promoting homosexuality." No longer included in the signed version is a six-month prison sentence for people who fail to report suspected homosexual acts to the police.
red, ORF.at/agencies
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has signed an anti-LGBTQ law that has been sharply criticized internationally. He signed a slightly amended version of the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023," which was introduced by parliament in early May, according to parliament and the presidential office.
The new bill clarifies that calling oneself homosexual is not yet a crime. Only "engaging in homosexual acts" constitutes an offense punishable by life imprisonment.
Contrary to the President's request, Parliament retained the passage to declare cases of "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offense, meaning that repeat offenders could be punished by death. Although the death penalty is enshrined in Uganda's constitution, it has not been applied for many years.
Internationally harsh criticism
Internationally, the law has been sharply criticized, including by the U.S., the EU and human rights groups. However, it enjoys widespread public support in Uganda. Homosexuality was still criminalized in Uganda during colonial times. However, there has never been a conviction for consensual same-sex contact since independence in 1962.
Among other things, the new law provides for up to 20 years in prison for "knowingly promoting homosexuality." No longer included in the signed version is a six-month prison sentence for people who fail to report suspected homosexual acts to the police.
red, ORF.at/agencies
S | A
