Internationally, the new anti-gay law in Uganda has caused horror. It introduces the death penalty in certain cases. Western countries in particular voiced criticism and announced the consequences.
Western countries in particular have reacted with horror to the Ugandan law against homosexual acts. It provides for the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” – sexual relationships involving people infected with HIV. The same applies to sex with minors and other persons classified as vulnerable. Homosexual acts have previously been illegal and are punishable by up to life imprisonment.
US President Joe Biden called for the “immediate repeal of the law”. Nobody should be in constant fear for their life or exposed to violence and discrimination. Among other things, the US government will review a trade agreement that grants Uganda duty-free access to the US market for many products.
Sanctions against anyone involved in serious human rights violations or corruption would also be reviewed, Biden said. According to its own statements, the US government invests almost one billion US dollars in Uganda every year.
Criticism also from Europe
The German Foreign Ministry wrote on Twitter that the law stipulates the “blatant violation” of human rights. It must be withdrawn.
Federal Development Minister Svenja Schulze emphasized that the law also violated the principles laid down in the African Union charter. In addition, the law has an impact on development cooperation: “In addition to the blatant contempt for human dignity, the law also has an impact on the work of international partners on site, which we now have to examine together,” said Schulze.
The EU was also critical. The Netherlands responded by suspending promised funds of 25 million euros.
The first version of the law failed
The new law also criminalizes “attempted serious homosexuality” and allows for up to 14 years in prison. People or groups who campaign for homosexual people, such as activist groups, can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. The law is supported by many people in Uganda.
Just over a month ago, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni returned a first version of the law to parliament. The President had expressed concerns that the law could be legally vulnerable. In its original version, it would also have criminalized homosexuals who voluntarily seek medical treatment. Parliament has now changed this aspect in a second variant of the law.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among thanked MPs for not giving in to “all the pressure” exerted by bullies and conspiracy theorists.
Activists challenge law
Anti-gay sentiment in the country had increased in recent weeks after reports of homosexual intercourse taking place in boarding schools.
A group of Ugandan LGBT activists and advocates submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court in the capital, Kampala, to challenge the law just hours after it was signed.
“Our people have to hide again”
The effects were felt even before the law was signed, said Ugandan LGBTQ activist Sam Ganafa. Hospitals turned away homosexuals because the facilities feared government harassment. “It’s sad news. Our people have to hide again,” Ganafa told the dpa news agency.
Various human rights organizations and activists have already announced that they will take legal action against the law. A similar parliamentary push for an anti-homosexuality law was overturned by the constitutional court in 2014.
Anti-AIDS organizations from the United Nations and the US warned of the “harmful impact” of the legislation on public health and the management of HIV. “Uganda’s progress in its response to HIV is now at serious risk,” UNAIDS, PEPFAR and the Global Fund wrote in a joint statement.