Uganda kawmakes approved of one of the harshesst anti-gay laws making some crimes punishable by death and a 20 year sentence for LBTQI persons.

Amneslty International Reginal Director for East and South Africa , Tigere Chagutah, condemned the new law.

In a statement, the regional director urged President Museveni to veto the ‘appalling legislation ‘claiming that the legislation amounted  to a grave assault on LGBTQI people and violated Ugandan Law.

“This ambiguous, vaguely worded law even criminalizes those who ‘promote’ homosexuality or ‘attempt to commit the offence of homosexuality’ Chagutah said in the media statement.

“In reality, this deeply repressive legislation will institute discrimination,  hatred, and prejudice against LGBTQI people, including those who are perceived to be LGBTQI  work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders.”

Amnesty International believes that, instead of criminalizing LGBTQI people, Uganda should protect them by approving laws and policies that adhere to the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined not only in Uganda’s Constitution, but also in the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

New Law

The new Ugandan Law was passed on Tuesday , proposing harsh new penalties for same-sex relationships.

“The ayes have it,”parliamentary speaker Annet Annita Among said after the final vote, adding that the’bill passed in record time.’

The law was approved by the legislators all but one speaking against the bill.

MP Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, the legislator who spoke against the bill and who belongs to President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement party, told AFP that under the final version of the legislation , offenders would face life imprisonment or even a death penalty.

“This house will not shy to restrict any right to the extent the House recognizes,”Among said.

The bill will next go to The President , who can choose to use his veto or sign it into law.

Discussion about the bill in parliament was homophobic rhetoric , with lawmakers conflating child sexual abuse with consensual same-sex activity.

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