Uganda: international outcry after the passage of a very repressive law against homosexuals

Yoweri Museveni, November 9, 2019. © Sumy Sadurni / AFP

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President Museveni has 30 days to promulgate this text adopted Tuesday night, but already the condemnations rain. This controversial text has not been published, but we are beginning to know its very repressive content.

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It is probably one of the worst texts of its kind in the world. " said Volker Türk. The High Commissioner for Human Rights called on President Museveni not to promulgate the "draconian, devastating and very disturbing" law, according to the UN diplomat. A project "deeply repressive that institutionalizes discrimination", responded Amnesty. On Thursday, the United States, the United Kingdom and Human Rights Watch also denounced the passage of this law.

According to various observers, the text provides for the death penalty for the offence of "aggravated homosexuality". This concerns, for example, repeat offenders, or anyone who has a relationship with a disabled person, thus denying them "the right to have consensual relations", according to the organization...

The law provides for life imprisonment for the offence of simple homosexuality. 14 years imprisonment for an attempt between a fine and six months for those who do not denounce a homosexual. Family and friends supporting their LGBT relatives are therefore exposed to prison. Organizing a gay wedding can lead to ten years of incarceration. Ten years too, if you provide real estate assistance, for example by renting a room to a gay couple.

Those who promote homosexuality face up to 20 years in prison. This concerns advocacy organizations or anyone who disseminates material that promotes homosexuality. "A system of total censorship," Human Rights Watch said.

In the United States, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House spokeswoman and openly lesbian, described an "extreme" text, which will increase violence against this community. His colleague John Kirby mentioned possible economic sanctions if the law is enacted.

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  • Uganda
  • Human rights