After the government in Uganda introduced a law that explicitly targets the LGBTQ community, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze sharply criticized the government there. “Same-sex love is not a crime,” wrote the SPD politician on Twitter. The law violates basic human rights to which Uganda has committed itself and which are enshrined in the charter of the African Union.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni approved the controversial law, which had previously been passed by Parliament, on Sunday. The law provides for the death penalty for homosexuals convicted of rape. Sexual intercourse with minors or disabled people can also be punished with death.
The law also criminalizes the “promotion of homosexuality.” Any form of positive or educational reporting about lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people or those who identify as queer is declared illegal. Members of LGBTQ activist groups can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. The effects were felt even before the signing, say Ugandan LGBTQ activists.
Activists and lawyers after filing a petition against President Museveni’s new law at Uganda’s Constitutional Court in Kampala.
(Photo: Abubaker Lubowa /Reuters)
Minister Schulze wants to “check” the cooperation with international partners on site and continue the exchange with those affected. Other countries have also sharply criticized the law. The Niederlange restrict their development cooperation with Uganda. Even before the law was passed, US President Joe Biden announced that he would review American involvement in Uganda.
Association calls for humanitarian visas for LGBTQ people from Uganda
Due to the drastic consequences for queer communities in Uganda, the Lesbian and Gay Association in Germany (LSVD) calls for a decisive reaction from the federal government. Sexual minorities from Uganda should be given the opportunity to leave the country and receive protection in Germany via humanitarian visas, said Philipp Braun from the LSVD board.
Braun also called for examining the expulsion of diplomats in response to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signing the law. “In addition, an entry ban into the Schengen area should also extend to members of parliament who have explicitly introduced the so-called anti-homosexuality law,” said the LSVD board member. Germany has a duty to send a “strong signal” against the anti-LGBTQ law.