After the Ugandan parliament approved an anti-LGBTQ bill that was denounced by several nations including the United Nations, the United States placed visa restrictions on Ugandan government employees.
The crime of “aggravated homosexuality,” which involves passing on HIV through gay sex, carries the death penalty and was made illegal in May.
The law also mandates a 20-year term for promoting homosexuality and a life sentence for having same-sex relations.
The law states that organizations that knowingly support LGBTQ activities, including as media outlets and non-governmental organizations, will also face severe penalties.
The rule prompted swift criticism from the West and threatened some of the billions of dollars in annual foreign help that the nation gets.
U.S. President Joe Biden threatened aid cuts and other sanctions after the law was passed, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated last month that the government would consider imposing visa restrictions on Ugandan officials.
The State Department said in a statement on Friday, June 16, that it had issued visa restrictions but did not provide any names or even the number of officials who would be affected.
According to the statement, the United States will hold those accountable who violated human rights in Uganda, “including those of LGBTQI+ persons.”
As part of the update, the State Department warned Americans travelling to Uganda that there was a chance that LGBTQI+ people would face charges, life in prison, or even the death penalty depending on the law.
“The United States strongly supports the Ugandan people and remains committed to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Uganda and globally,” the State Department said.
The United States agency added that homosexuality was already outlawed in the country of East Africa and that security personnel routinely harassed and shunned gays.
