Death penalty for recognized LGBTQ people in Uganda

Ugandan MPs on Tuesday passed an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that would make same-sex acts punishable by death, prompting strong condemnation from human rights defenders.

Almost all of the 389 legislators voted late Tuesday in favor of the anti-homosexuality bill.

The new law provides life imprisonment for sexual relations between homosexuals and for the “recruitment, promotion and financing” of homosexual “activities”.

“A person who commits the offense of aggravated homosexuality is liable, on conviction, to the death penalty,” reads the bill presented by Robina Rwakoojo, the president of legal and parliamentary affairs.

Only two MPs from the ruling party, opposed the new legislation.

“The bill is ill-conceived, contains unconstitutional provisions, reverses progress made in addressing gender-based violence, and instead criminalizes individuals for behavior that contravenes all known legal standards,” they said.

The bill will now go to President Yoweri Museveni, who can veto it or sign it into law. In a recent speech, he appeared to voice his support for the bill.