- Title: UGANDA: Uganda gays face life in prison
- Date: 20th December 2013
- Summary: KAMPALA, UGANDA (DECEMBER 20, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF UGANDAN PARLIAMENTARIANS DEBATING THE ANTI-GAY BILL (SOUNDBITE) (English) UGANDAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, DAVID BAHATI, SAYING: "I want to thank the speaker of parliament for the courage and defending the children of Uganda and the cause for humanity, to protect our marriages, to defend culture and to defend the futur
- Embargoed: 4th January 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Uganda
- Country: Uganda
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA6U94PQ6UD7QK1CDWKDB59CK43
- Story Text: Uganda's parliament passed a law on Friday (December 20) that makes some homosexual acts punishable by life in prison, a move that raised alarm among gays who are already afraid to express their sexuality openly.
First introduced in parliament in 2009 as a private member's bill, the law initially proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts in the conservative east African country.
It was later amended to remove the death penalty, but includes jail terms for anyone convicted, including life imprisonment for what it calls aggravated homosexuality.
Parliamentarian David Bahati who had moved the motion, said parliament had shown courage in taking the decision.
"I want to thank the speaker of parliament for the courage and defending the children of Uganda and the cause for humanity, to protect our marriages, to defend culture and to defend the future of our children. We have done our part, it is an important piece of legislation. We want to thank all those who have been supportive of us, we thank the religious leaders, we thank the parents and we thank all Ugandans who have been praying for us."
Anti-gay activist Pastor Martin Ssempa said passing the bill was just a starting point. He wants to push for a constitutional amendment to entrench the anti-gay laws in Uganda's constitution.
"This is just the beginning, we are going to have battles in constitutional court. In fact for me, I think the next step is going to be a constitutional amendment, if a referendum. We will need a referendum, we are prepared to sacrifice and leave no stone unturned given our reputation for the preservation of civilisation."
Countries including the United States previously criticised the bill when it came before parliament. Germany cut off aid to Uganda late last year citing the bill as one of its concerns.
Widespread criticism of the law, and resistance from the executive which is wary of antagonising western donors, stalled its passage. But parliament has also been under pressure to push it through, especially from mainstream and evangelical churches.
Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda, but the new law prohibits the "promotion" of gay rights and punishes anyone who "funds", "sponsors" or "abets" homosexuality.
Homosexuality is taboo in many African countries. It is illegal in 37 nations on the continent, and activists say few Africans are openly gay, fearing imprisonment, violence and losing their jobs. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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