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UGANDA: Most Draconian Anti-LGBTQ Bill Becomes Law

Lawmakers in Uganda on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 voted through one of the strictest pieces of anti-LGBT+ legislation after an amendment that toned down some of the original legislation.

Provisions included in the bill even allow for the death penalty in cases of so-called “aggravated homosexuality.”

President Yoweri Museveni, a vocal opposition of the LGBT+ community had asked that certain provisions from the original bill be relaxed. Lawmakers amended the bill to clarify that identifying as gay would not be criminalized, but “engaging in acts of homosexuality” could be punished with life imprisonment.

Museveni also called for the bill to include a way to facilitate the so-called “rehabilitation” of people who say they will no longer engage in physical relationships with the same sex. 

Museveni had urged lawmakers to delete a provision that makes “aggravated homosexuality” a capital offense, but that was rejected.

So individuals found guilty of repeat offenses could face execution. The term also describes actions that include having gay sex when HIV-positive.

It allows a 20-year sentence for promoting homosexuality, which activists say could criminalise any advocacy for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer citizens.

The legislation now heads to President Yoweri Museveni, who can sign it, veto it or return it again to parliament.