A Step Backward: Uganda Passes Anti-Homosexuality Law, Criminalises Same-Sex Relationships

Uganda has passed strict laws against homosexual relationships in the country. The legislation criminalises anyone who identifies themselves with the LGBTQIA community. This law proposes tough penalties for same-sex relationships. Homosexuality is already considered illegal in many African countries, and now Uganda adds to the list.

Citing Human Rights Watch, Al Jazeera reported that more than 30 countries in Africa have criminalised homosexuality. The law prohibits homosexual relationships as well as abetting and aiding same-sex behaviour and conspiring to participate in homosexual activities.

Uganda Passes Anti-Homosexuality Law

Violation of this law will not only lead to a harsh fine but also can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment for the so-called "aggravated" homosexuality According to the law, "aggravated" homosexuality also includes having sexual intercourse with minors and HIV-positive people, among other things.

Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among said, "The ayes have it," after the final vote, and added that the bill was passed in record time according to Al Jazeera’s report.

All but one legislator opposed the bill, and modifications were made to the larger elements of the original draft. The legislation's proponents argue that there is a need to penalise a wider range of LGBTQ acts because they believe that it is a threat to the traditional values of East Africa’s conservative and religious norms.

The legislation will now be passed on to President Yoweri Museveni, who needs to sign and approve the law. Although President Museveni has not addressed the present legislation, he has always been against the rights of the LGBTQ community. In 2013, he also passed an anti-gay law that was denounced by the West before being overturned by a local court for procedural reasons.

The Indian government, which decriminalised same-sex relationships in 2018, opposes recognising same-sex marriages. The government urges the Supreme Court to reject the petitions of same-sex couples. The centre believes that same-sex marriage is incompatible with the concept of an Indian family unit, which consists of a husband, a wife, and children.

Over 30 countries across the globe have decriminalised same-sex relationships and legalised same-sex marriages. The case will now be heard by a five-judge constitutional bench on April 18, 2023. If India’s Supreme Court legalises same-sex marriages, it will surpass the US as the biggest democracy that provides such rights to the LGBTQ community.

Suggested Reading: Centre Oppose Recognition Of Same-Sex Marriage: Is It Fair?