Uganda’s ruling party has agreed to send back to parliament the anti-gay bill that was passed a month ago for reconsideration.
According to a statement from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus chairperson, MPs resolved on “proposals for improvement” to the bill during a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the party chairman.
Among other provisions, the bill mandates life imprisonment for LGBT people and the death penalty for what is known as aggravated homosexuality.
It is unclear what changes the president would like to see made to the proposed legislation.
When legislation is passed by parliament, the president has about a month to sign it, veto it, or send it back to the House of Commons for amendment and re-tabling.
President Museveni has stated on several occasions that homosexuality requires more discussion and understanding.
The bill was passed with overwhelming support from both the ruling and opposition parties.
The ruling party controls parliament, and its position on any legislation always takes precedence.
Critics have claimed that the law promotes homophobia, violates the country’s constitution, and will affect anyone suspected of being LGBT.
