The United States government has criticized Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which imposes harsh penalties for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) including death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for individuals found engaging in gay sex.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in a statement condemned the ruling, stating that it undermines human rights and public health for all and poses grave threats to LGBTQI+ Ugandans.
“Today’s verdict on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act undermines human rights and public health for all and poses grave threats to LGBTQI+ Ugandans and allies,” he stated.
Furthermore, he noted that Uganda’s International reputation was at stake adding that this move which undermines equality would limit the country’s ability to increase foreign investment.
“Uganda’s international reputation and ability to increase foreign investment depend on equality under the law. Uganda should respect the human dignity of all and provide equal protection to all individuals under the law,” Blinken noted.
Uganda Constitutional Court’s ruling
Blinken’s statement comes after the Constitutional Court of Uganda nullified parts of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, that was signed by President Yoweri Museveni.
Also Read: Another Blow to LGBTQ in Uganda After Court Verdict
The court upheld the Act but removed sections that had criminalized the letting of premises for use for homosexual purposes and the failure by anyone to report acts of homosexuality to the Police for appropriate action.
Under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, citizens had an obligation to report anyone they suspected of engaging in homosexuality. The court in the Wednesday 3rd April ruling found that this requirement violated individual rights.
“We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement,” said Justice Richard Buteera, Uganda’s deputy chief justice and head of the court.
Additionally, the five-member court also annulled the section that criminalized “Engagement in acts of homosexuality by anyone which results into the other persons contracting a terminal illness.”
The West’s Reaction to Uganda’s LGBTQ Law
The US Government known for its liberal approach to Issues pertaining the LGBTQI+, had previously threatened to cut aid and investment to Uganda over this issue.
Also, the US government expressed concern about the impact of the law on the delivery of services under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
However, President Yoweri Museveni’s government had struck a defiant tone accusing the West of trying to pressure Africa into accepting homosexuality.
Also Read: Uganda’s Court Strikes Down Sections of Musevenis Anti-LGBTQ Law
The European Union, United Kingdom, UNAIDS, the Global Fund, human rights groups, and LGBTQ organizations had also expressed their shock at the adoption of the law.
The US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, UN Aids, and the Global Fund expressed deep concern about the “harmful impact” of the legislation.
In August 2023, the World Bank announced that it would stop funding Uganda over its gay laws. However, Museveni told off the lender, saying the East African economy can do without loans.
