1 of 1 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni speaks during celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of independence in Kololo, Uganda, Sunday, October 9, 2022. — Photo: AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni speaks during celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of independence. Independence Anniversary , in Kololo, Uganda, Sunday, October 9, 2022. — Photo: AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda
This Thursday (20th), Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni refused to sign a new law that punishes homosexuality with the death penalty in some cases. The leader, who backs some of the toughest antiLGBTQ+ laws in the world, asked parliament to make changes to the text of the proposal to “strengthen” it.
A first version of the bill was approved by lawmakers in March. However, after meeting members of his party, Museveni decided to return the bill to the National Assembly “with suggestions for improvement”.
“[Museveni] informed members that he had no objection to the penalties [propostas pelo projeto]but on the issue of rehabilitation for people who have been involved in homosexuality in the past [e] wants to lead a normal life again,” government spokesman Sandor Walusimbi said on Twitter. “It has been agreed that the bill will go back to Parliament for rehabilitation issues to be considered before it can be enacted.”
The invoice
The bill was introduced by an opposition lawmaker with the aim of punishing “the promotion, recruitment and financing” of LGBTQ+ activities in Uganda. In the parliamentary vote, only two of the 389 lawmakers present at the session rejected the proposal.
The text provides for life imprisonment for “homosexuality” and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving HIVinfected individuals, as well as minors and other vulnerable groups.
A suspect convicted of “attempted serious homosexuality” can be sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the offense of “attempted homosexuality” is punishable by up to 10 years. In addition, advocates or supporters of LGBTQ+ rights can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
Despite the support of a large part of the population, the passage of the bill last month triggered several projects on Ugandan territory.
Amnesty International called on Museveni to veto what the organization called a “draconian and overly broad” bill.
“The passing of this horrific bill is a heartbreaking moment for the LGBTI community and their loved ones in Uganda,” Agnes Callamard, leader of the group, said in a statement. “No one should ever be criminalized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”