![Ugandan MPs pass bill imposing death penalty for homosexuality](https://maltadaily.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/billweb.jpg)
MPs in Uganda have passed an anti-LGBTIQ+ bill which would make homosexual acts punishable by death.
The bill, which attracted strong condemnation from human rights campaigners, was voted in favour by all but two of the 389 legislators.
The anti-homosexuality bill introduces capital and life imprisonment sentences for gay sex as well as ‘recruitment, promotion and funding’ of same sex activities.
The bill, presented by chairperson for legal and parliamentary affairs Robina Rwakoojo, reads: “A person who commits the offence of aggravated homosexuality and is liable, on conviction to suffer death.”
Only two MPs from the ruling party, Fox Odoi-Oywelowo and Paul Kwizera Bucyana, opposed the new legislation.
Odoi-Oywelowo said that the bill is ill-conceived and contains provisions that are unconstitutional. It ‘reverses the gains registered in the fight against gender-based violence and criminalises individuals instead of conduct that contravenes all known legal norms.’
On the other hand, one MP in the chamber John Musila, wore a gown reading ‘Say No To Homosexual, Lesbianism, Gay.’ The bill will now be going to President Yoweri Museveni, who can veto or sign it into law.
In Uganda, homosexual sex was already punishable by life imprisonment. More than 110 LGBTQ+ people in Uganda reported incidents including arrests, sexual violence, evictions and public undressing to advocacy group Sexual Minorities Uganda (Smug) in February alone. Transgender people were disproportionately affected, said the group.
#MaltaDaily