The African country of Uganda recently passed sweeping new legislation criminalizing certain homosexual acts, raising the ire of LGBT rights groups across the globe and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the country’s gay and lesbian population. The new legislation, which could lead to life imprisonment for any homosexual acts considered “aggravated homosexuality,” has drawn widespread condemnation from organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
An Overview of the New Law
The new law, which was signed into law by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on February 24, 2014, expands the scope of criminal punishments for same-sex relations. Under the new legislation, any person found guilty of engaging in “aggravated homosexuality” can face up to life in prison. The new law defines “aggravated homosexuality” as any kind of same-sex sexual activity between people of the same gender who are below the age of 18, adultery committed by a person in a same-sex relationship, or any same-sex sexual activity in which one of the participants is living with HIV, AIDS, or another sexually-transmitted disease.
In addition to increasing punishment for same-sex relations, the new law also expands the scope of what is considered to be a “crime against the order of nature.” This includes public displays of affection between people of the same sex, which can now be punishable by up to seven years in prison.
International Opposition to the Ugandan Law
The new Ugandan legislation has been universally condemned by LGBT rights organizations and countries around the world. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called the law “hateful” and “discriminatory,” and have urged the Ugandan government to repeal the law. The United Nations Human Rights Council has also released a statement in which it “expresses its grave concern” over the law and urges the Ugandan government to repeal it.
In addition, countries around the world have begun to take action in response to the Ugandan law. The Netherlands, for instance, has halted all development aid to the country, while the United States has enacted a travel ban on those responsible for promoting the new legislation.
The Impact of the Law on Ugandan Society
The new legislation has had a marked effect on the LGBT community in Uganda. Since the law was passed, there have been a number of reports of arrests, intimidation, blackmail, and even physical attacks on homosexuals in the country. In some parts of the country, landlords have evicted tenants known to be LGBT, and employers have fired their LGBT employees. Additionally, several LGBT rights organizations have been shut down, and the LGBT community as a whole has gone into hiding, either out of fear or out of necessity.
In spite of this, however, the LGBT community in Uganda has remained strong in the face of adversity. Several groups providing support and advocacy to the LGBT population have sprung up around the country, including the Ugandan Human Rights Initiative and the Lesbian and Gay Support Uganda. These organizations have provided a valuable source of support and solidarity to the LGBT community during this difficult time.
The new law passed in Uganda criminalizing certain homosexual acts is an egregious violation of human rights and underscores the need for stronger protections for LGBT individuals in Uganda and around the world. While the situation in Uganda is dire, there is still hope that the law will be repealed and the rights of LGBT individuals will be respected. In the meantime, it is up to the international community to ensure that LGBT individuals in Uganda have access to the same fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by all citizens.
