Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Law Upheld by Constitutional Court
Uganda’s constitutional court recently made a decision regarding the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act, which has sparked outrage and condemnation globally.
Key Points:
- The law includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
- Some provisions of the law were deemed inconsistent with fundamental human rights.
- Activists report a surge in abuse against LGBTQ individuals since the law’s enactment.
Court’s Decision:
Lead judge Richard Buteera, speaking on behalf of the court, announced that while certain sections of the law were voided for violating rights to health, privacy, and freedom of religion, the law as a whole would not be nullified.
The court specifically struck down provisions criminalizing the letting of premises for homosexual acts and the requirement to report homosexual activities, deeming them as infringing on individual rights.
Reactions and Consequences:
- The World Bank and the United States took actions against Uganda following the law’s enactment.
- The legislation imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment and death, for consensual same-sex relations.
- Promotion of homosexuality is banned, with violations punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Notable petitioners challenging the law include a lawmaker and prominent LGBTQ activist Frank Mugisha, who criticized the court’s decision as siding with the majority to punish the minority.
Despite the ruling, petitioners plan to appeal to the Supreme Court, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in Uganda and across Africa.