After years of controversy, the Ugandan parliament has
passed a bill that punishes certain acts of homosexuality with life in prison.
A Ugandan lawmaker first introduced the bill in 2009,
sparking worldwide condemnation for tough measures that included the death
penalty.
It was briefly shelved amid the backlash. At the time, some
European nations threatened to withdraw aid to Uganda, which relies on millions
of dollars from the international community.
Before its passage Friday, parliament adjusted the death
penalty clause to life in prison for "aggravated homosexuality." It
includes acts where one person is infected with HIV, "serial offenders"
and sex with minors, Amnesty International said.
In cases where one has HIV, the punishment applies even when
the sex is consensual or protected.
"Ugandans have been anxiously waiting for this bill.
This day will be a good day for all Ugandans," said Benson Obua Ogwal, a
member of parliament for Moroto.
The bill also proposes years in prison for anyone who
counsels or reaches out to homosexuals, a provision that would ensnare rights
groups and others providing services to lesbians, gays, bisexual and
transgender people.
"The knock-on effect of passing this bill will reach
far beyond gay and lesbian people in Uganda, impeding the legitimate work of
civil society, public health professionals and community leaders," said
Aster van Kregten, deputy Africa director at Amnesty International.
Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries, where
sodomy laws were introduced during colonialism. In Uganda, homosexual acts are
punishable by 14 years to life in prison, according to rights activists.
But lawmakers in the conservative nation sought tougher
legislation, saying Western lifestyle risks destroying Ugandan family units.
"This is a piece of legislation that is needed in this
country to protect the traditional family here in Africa, and also protect the
future of our children," David Bahati, the lawmaker who first introduced
the bill, said last year. "Every single day of my life now I am still
pushing that it passes."
Rights groups urged President Yoweri Museveni to veto the
bill. To become law, it requires his signature within 30 days.
