Ugandan Law Makers Draft A New Version Of The So-Called “Kill The Gays” Bill
Controversial Ugandan lawmaker Asuman Basalirwa has been given leave by parliament to draft a new bill that would outlaw homosexuality and criminalise any physical contact between individuals with the intent of engaging in homosexual behaviour, reports Human Rights Watch.
OUTCRY FROM HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS HAS BEEN MADE CLEAR
The proposed law is being considered a revitalisation of the previously struck down Anti-Homosexuality Act first introduced by Uganda’s parliament in 2014, reports Human Rights Watch. Basalirwa’s law would impose stiff penalties on those found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts, including lengthy prison sentences and fines. Additionally, the bill would criminalise any public advocacy or support for LGBTQIA+ rights, with violators facing similar punishments.
Furthermore, the newly introduced Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2023 would classify all same-sex sexual activity as nonconsensual and make it a crime to participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies. The bill mirrors many of the same elements as the original from 2014 that a Constitutional Court found to have procedural issues, reports Monitor.
Speaking to reporters about the proposed legislation, Basalirwa said, “Precisely we are bringing back that same Bill. We will make a few modifications because of the changing circumstances and situations and the realities on the ground.”
Speaker of Parliament Ms Anita Among echoed similar sentiments condemning the growing number of LGBTQIA+ individuals and organisations in Uganda. “We want to appreciate our promoters of homosexuality for the socio-economic development they have brought to the country… but we don’t appreciate the money that they are bringing to destroy our culture. We don’t need their money, we need our cultures,” says Ms Among.
Human rights activists and members of Uganda’s LGBTQIA+ community have criticised the bill as discriminatory and a violation of basic human rights. Laws are already in place that restrict the free movements of the queer community in Uganda under the penal code stipulating that “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” refers to homosexuality and can be used to imprison offenders.
The proposed law is likely to face opposition from international human rights organisations and foreign governments that have previously criticised Uganda for its treatment of LGBTQIA+ people. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill is expected to be debated in Uganda’s parliament in the coming months, and protests have already begun forming against its passage. Nevertheless, the proposed legislation has sparked fierce debate and highlighted the deep cultural and religious divisions over LGBTQIA+ rights in Uganda.
