Parliament approves anti-homosexuality Bill

Parliament yesterday passed the anti-homosexuality Bill 2023 which suggests tough penalties for same sex relationships and criminalizes anyone who identities as LGBTQ.

Uganda now joins the 30 African countries where the LGBTQ activities are outlawed.

About 389 lawmakers endorsed the passage of the Bill.

“The ayes have it,” Speaker Anita Among said yesterday after the MPs voted to pass the Bill.

The legislators amended significant portions of the original draft law, with all but one speaking against the bill. Supporters of the tough legislation say it is needed to punish a broader array of LGBTQ activities, which they say threaten traditional values in the conservative and religious East African nation.

The Bill now awaits to be sent to President Museveni to sign it into law. But still, even without the president’s approval, Parliament can implement the Bill under article 91(7) of the Constitution.

Unlike previously, Museveni has not publicly commented on the Bill following reports that he was approached by a team of 30 ambassadors and Diplomats urging him not to sign on the Bill.

The 78 year old long serving tyrant does not view the issue as a priority and would prefer to maintain good relations with Western donors and investors.