aid is in the form of health assistance, especially AIDS-related assistance. He noted that this would be “really unfortunate” since most U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said if the law were enacted Washington would “have to take a look” at imposing economic sanctions on Uganda. Washington has “grave concerns” about the bill, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday, adding that it would hamper tourism and economic investment in Uganda. International concern is rising over the legislation. Only two of 389 legislators present during the voting session opposed the bill, including one taunted during plenary debate by his colleagues as “a homosexualist" after he presented a dissenting view.
The bill was introduced last month by an opposition lawmaker who said his goal was to punish the “promotion, recruitment and funding” of LGBTQ activities in this East African country where homosexuals are widely disparaged. He has condemned homosexuality over the years and recently accused unnamed Western nations of “trying to impose their practices on other people."
He sometimes takes his time before signing bills into law.
It remains unclear when Museveni will notify the legislature about his intentions regarding the bill. Jail terms of up to 20 years are proposed for those who advocate or promote the rights of LGBTQ people.Ī suspect convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” can be jailed for 14 years and the offense of “attempted homosexuality” is punishable by up to 10 years, according to the bill. The bill prescribes the death penalty for the offense of “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for “homosexuality.” Aggravated homosexuality is defined as cases of sex relations involving those infected with HIV as well as minors and other categories of vulnerable people. Mugisha spoke to The Associated Press amid growing pressure from the United Nations, the United States and others who are urging President Yoweri Museveni to block the legislation passed by lawmakers on Tuesday. The legislation “would make it impossible to me to live in this country and work here,” he said. “I am worried about being evicted from the place where I live, because I don't own property. “I am worried about being evicted,” said Frank Mugisha, head of the banned LGBTQ support group Sexual Minorities Uganda. KAMPALA – A prominent leader of Uganda's LGBTQ community said Thursday he was worried about becoming "homeless,” describing anguished calls by others like him who are concerned for their safety after the passing of a harsh new anti-gay bill.
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