3 apr 2024 om 14:19
Uganda continues to enforce the controversial law against homosexuality, even after asking the constitutional court to intervene. The law is one of the strictest anti-gay laws in the world.
Researchers, politicians and activists had asked the court to intervene. They believe that the anti-gay legislation, which was adopted in May last year, is contrary to the constitution and international agreements.
But the court’s president said the controversial law, known as the ‘Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023’, would not be overturned. The law allows for life imprisonment or even the death penalty for homosexuality.
Conservative and predominantly Christian Uganda is known for its intolerance towards homosexuality. The law was therefore widely supported by the population. The authorities call the law “necessary in the fight against Western immorality”.
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Aid to Uganda suspended due to human rights violations
The East African country is thus resisting pressure from human rights organizations, the United Nations and foreign governments to repeal the law. The anti-gay legislation led to a lot of international criticism, including from the Netherlands.
The United States, threatening to cut aid and investment, refused to grant visas to Ugandan officials in December citing human rights abuses, including those of the LGBTQ+ community.
The World Bank announced in August that it would suspend new loans to Uganda because of the law.
