World

Ugandan Bill Would Ban ‘Identifying’ As LGBTQ

(Photo by BADRU KATUMBA/AFP via Getty Images)

Dylan Housman Deputy News Editor
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Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday passed legislation, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, that criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ.

President Yoweri Museveni will now decide whether or not to sign the bill into law. Museveni previously signed a bill in 2013 which made “aggravated homosexuality” a crime punishable by life in prison.

The new bill not only criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ, but also punishes gay sex with life in prison and imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes homosexual intercourse with a minor or knowingly having gay sex while infected with HIV.

Proponents of the bill have argued that international forces are trying to undermine Ugandan sovereignty by pushing LGBTQ values, according to Al-Jazeera. Legislators defended the bill on religious grounds, the outlet noted. More than four-in-five Ugandans are Christian, mostly Roman Catholics and Anglicans.

“Our creator God is happy [about] what is happening … I support the bill to protect the future of our children,” legislator David Bahati said. (RELATED: Americans Accused Of Child Trafficking And Abuse Face Death Penalty In Uganda)

Human Rights Watch said the bill goes further than others in criminalizing LGBTQ identification. The organization condemned the bill and accused Ugandan lawmakers of targeting gay people for political capital. Dozens of African countries, including Uganda, already outlaw homosexual relations.

The new law also outlaws “conspiracy” to engage in homosexuality as well as promoting or aiding and abetting homosexual activity.