Homosexuality may soon be punishable by death in Uganda, where an anti-gay bill first introduced in 2009 has been revived for another round of consideration.
David Bahati’s “anti-homosexuality” bill proposes the death penalty for certain “homosexual acts.” Originally introduced in October 2009, it drew worldwide criticism, including threats from countries to cut foreign aid, and was eventually shelved.
But lo and behold, Bahati has brought the bill back again, claiming it’s “necessary” to protect the citizens of Uganda. I disagree wildly. So does Amnesty International, one of the first groups to have spoken out against the bill’s revival.
“It aims to criminalize the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality, compels HIV testing in some circumstances, and imposes life sentences for entering into a same-sex marriage,” Amnesty International said in a statement Tuesday. “It would also be an offense for a person who is aware of any violations of the bill’s wide-ranging provisions not to report them to the authorities within 24 hours.”
Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries, where sodomy laws were introduced during colonialism. In Uganda, homosexual acts are punishable by 14 years to life in prison, according to rights activists.
This is absolutely terrifying - for the second time - and we will not let it go through. I’m sure leaders across the world will be speaking out soon.
