Uganda’s President Museveni signs stringent anti-LGBTQ law, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” drawing international condemnation and raising concerns about potential sanctions and human rights violations.
Highlights:
- President Museveni signs law with death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”
- United States expresses concern and evaluates implications of the law
- Outrage from human rights groups and potential impact on Uganda’s international relations
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ legislations globally, including provisions for the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” The new law goes beyond existing regulations that already criminalize same-sex relations and introduces severe punishments for “serial offenders” and those who transmit HIV/AIDS through gay sex. It also imposes a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality. The move has elicited condemnation from Western nations and raises concerns about potential sanctions and a negative impact on Uganda’s foreign aid.
United States President Joe Biden described the law as a tragic violation of human rights and announced that the implications of the legislation would be thoroughly assessed regarding the United States’ engagement with Uganda. The U.S. government is considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and entry restrictions against individuals involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption.
