A bill has been introduced in Uganda’s parliament to criminalize anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+. If the bill is passed, they, like those who engage in same-sex relationships, could face up to ten years in prison.
The law would prohibit the funding or promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, as well as the imprisonment of landlords who rented property to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A parliamentary committee will review the bill before it is reintroduced to the House for debate.
In recent weeks, there has been an increase in anti-gay sentiment in Uganda and neighboring countries.
Activists are concerned that this could lead to mob attacks on gay people.
The country’s constitutional court struck down the anti-homosexuality act, which had toughened laws against the LGBTQ+ community, in 2014.
It made it illegal to promote and fund LGBTQ+ groups and activities, and it reaffirmed that same-sex relationships should be punished by life in prison.
The court ruled that the legislation should be repealed because it was passed by parliament without a quorum.
Life imprisonment for same-sex relationships already exists in the country’s penal code.
In about 30 African countries, same-sex relationships are prohibited.
Human Rights Watch stated that if the proposed law is passed, Uganda will be the only African country to criminalize people who simply identify as LGBTQ+.
