Anti gay action

Uganda's progress in tackling HIV is in "grave jeopardy" after the president approved tough new anti-homosexuality legislation, the UN and US have warned. An increasing number of people are being discouraged from seeking vital health services for fear of attacks and punishment, they added.

Anti-LGBTQ

President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law after parliament watered it down. Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda but now anyone convicted faces life imprisonment. The legislation imposes the death penalty for so-called aggravated cases, which include having gay sex with someone below the age of 18 or where someone is infected with a life-long illness including HIV.

In a joint statement, three of the world's leading health campaign groups - the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief PepfarUNAids and the Global Fund - said they were deeply concerned about the "harmful impact" of the legislation. In a statement later on Monday, Anti gay action President Joe Biden described the passing of the law as a "tragic violation of universal human rights", urging Uganda to repeal the legislation immediately.

Mr Biden also said Washington was considering "additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption". A similar law was struck down by Uganda's constitutional court in Parliamentary speaker Anita Among welcomed Mr Museveni's decision to sign the bill into law, saying it would "protect the sanctity of the family".

Ugandan lawmaker Asuman Basalirwa, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill's sponsor, told the BBC's Newshour programme: "It does not bother anybody if two adults are engaged in gay sex in private. And even then, the law does not look for those who are doing their things in private.

The lawmaker also told reporters that the US had cancelled a visa issued to the speaker, making her the first official to face punitive action over the new law. The bill was passed in parliament earlier this month, with only one MP opposing it. The US is a major trading partner of Uganda.

Skip to content. Uganda's President Museveni approves tough new anti-gay law. Share Save. Uganda's government has resisted pressure to drop the legislation. The US embassy in Anti gay action has not yet commented. Beaten and forced to flee Uganda for being gay. Uganda waters down anti-gay law.

Cheers and applause as Uganda passes anti-gay bill. LGBT rights in Africa.