advocate

AIDS Issues Update Blog

Dispatches from the fight against homelessness and AIDS

Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill Is Back

Posted by , October 27, 2011

Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill Is Back

Uganda’s parliament has voted to revive the debate over the much-reviled bill that would allow state-sanctioned executions of homosexuals.

This week, Ugandan parliamentary member Rebecca Kadaga informed lawmakers that the legislation will be sent to a session committee for consideration.

The legislation was first introduced in 2009 by lawmaker David Bahati. After an international outcry, however, the bill did not hit the floor for a vote before the end of the previous parliamentary session.

The legislation would punish “aggravated homosexuality”–meaning homosexual activity by “serial offenders” or those who are HIV positive–with the death penalty. According to Human Rights Watch, Uganda’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee suggested adding a section that would make it a criminal offense to perform same-sex marriages.

According to the LGBT advocacy group All Out, it is illegal in nearly 80 countries to be gay, lesbian or transgender. In 10 nations, LGBT individuals can be sentenced to death or life behind bars.

Speaking in parliament this week, lawmaker Barnabus Tinkasimire expressed his support for the bill. “We can’t afford to stay with such ills in our society,” he said. “And when it comes before the floor, we shall all pass it and support it.”

Follow the Update blog on Twitter @housingworks.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Share

Stay informed

The AIDS Issues Update blog is your insider source for AIDS social justice news. Sign up to receive posts in your inbox.

Follow us on Twitter
Join our Facebook page

Donate Today

Help us advocate for the rights of all people living with HIV/AIDS

» Donate Now