A severe anti-LGBTQ+ law that will sanction the death penalty for anybody found guilty of engaging in gay sex while HIV positive was passed by Uganda’s parliament on May 5th.
When the bill was initially passed back in March, it was roundly denounced by the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union.
The country will now be able to execute anyone for what the government refers to as “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes having gay intercourse while HIV-positive.
According to advocates, this could criminalize any support for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people by allowing a 20-year term for promoting homosexuality.
The legislation will now heads back to President Yoweri Museveni, who can sign it, veto it, or return it again to parliament.
Museveni, a vocal opponent of LGBTQ rights, has signalled he intends to sign the legislation once certain changes are made, including the addition of measures to “rehabilitate” gay people.
