If Uganda’s anti-Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Act is passed into law, the United States has threatened economic consequences.
On March 22, efforts for Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to veto a “appalling” anti-gay measure were spearheaded by the United Nations and the United States.
“We would have a look at whether or not there might be repercussions that we would have to take, perhaps in an economic way, should this law actually get passed,” John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council is quoted to have said.
Lawmakers in the East African country had by a majority voted on March 21 to pass the legislation, elements of which include:
- A person who is convicted of grooming or trafficking children to engage them in homosexual activities faces life in prison.
- Individuals and institutions which support or fund LGBT rights activities also face prosecution.
A local media outfit, @ubctvuganda also reported a proposed 20-year jail term for ‘any entity that funds or promotes any form of homosexuality’.
Uganda is a very traditional and conservatively religious nation. The president is infamous for using derogatory language about gays, and LGBTQ people are frequently searched.
The president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, must sign the legislation for it to become a law.
Recently, a number of African nations have rejected LGBTQ+ orientation. Kenya, a neighbour of Uganda, has a president, first lady, and deputy president who have all publicly opposed LGBTQ+ issues.
A law that is said to have the support of the majority of legislators, including the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is being passed in Ghana that is anti-LGBTQ+.
