More than half of the Ugandan MPs have passed a legislative bill which would make homosexual acts punishable by death.
The Ugandan parliament, which was in session on Tuesday, March 21, passed a homosexuality bill which introduces capital and life imprisonment sentences for gay sex and “recruitment, promotion and funding” of same-sex “activities”.
The proceedings were attended by at least 389 members of parliament, and more than 176 MPs voted in favour of the bill. (That is more than the house’s requirement to pass a bill).
The passed bill states that any person who is found to be in same-sex relationships or identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community is legible to serve time in prison for a maximum of 10 years.
The house speaker, Anita said that they would not shy away from restricting anything that interferes with the sovereignty, morals, and culture of Uganda.
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However, soon after the bill was passed unanimously, a section of activists came out to contradict its implementation, terming it a violation of human rights.
Among them, was MP Fox Odoi, who was at the frontline of pressing charges against passing the law.
“It contains provisions that are unconstitutional, reverses the gains registered in the fight against gender-based violence, and criminalizes individuals instead of conduct that contravenes legal provisions,” Fox said. (Source; Nation. Africa)
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This bill had yet to be fully acknowledged before Tuesday after it was first put forward by President Yoweri Museveni. The new homosexuality law awaits consent from President Museveni, who asked for the law to be subjected to scientific findings first.
Previously, Uganda had begun scrutinizing Same-sex relationships, with the bill’s pioneer Asuman Basalirwa claiming that the relations were in contrast with nature.
He additionally added that married couples seeking to engage in either oral or anal sexual practices should be punished by the law.
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