(Reuters) – Uganda has implemented one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, drawing widespread Western condemnation and outraging activists at home.
Below is some reaction:
LERATO, SOUTH AFRICAN FILMMAKER AND ACTIVIST
“To reduce any kind of human being, irrespective of their sexuality, to a death sentence based on who they identify as and who, and how they choose to live their lives is something that we should all feel very ashamed about as a continent.”
“We can liken this to apartheid if not worse.”
U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE
“We are appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law. It is a recipe for systematic violations of the rights of LGBT people & the wider population. It conflicts with the Constitution and international treaties and requires urgent judicial review.”
UGANDAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER ANITA AMONG
“With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country.”
CLARE BYARUGABA, UGANDAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST.
“The Ugandan President has today Legalised State Sponsored Homophobia and Transphobia. It’s a very dark and sad day … We shall continue to fight this atrocious legislation through the Judiciary until Human Rights for all are upheld. We shall win, because as Martin Luther King Jr reminded us, the moral arc of the Universe always bends towards Justice.”
GLOBAL HEALTH GROUPS
“Uganda’s progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat. The stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services” (Joint statement from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR))
GEORGE KALUMA, KENYAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
“Wow! What a leader we’ve in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavour to save humanity … Perversion is treated, not normalized!”
DOMINIC ARNALL, CEO OF ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’ GROUP
“As a coalition of global companies, many doing business in Uganda, we want to see a thriving Ugandan economy. Our data shows that this law runs counter to the interests of economic progress and prosperity of all people in Uganda.”
ASHWANEE BUDOO-SCHOLTZ, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH’S AFRICA DEPUTY DIRECTOR
“Museveni’s signing of the anti-homosexuality bill is a serious blow to the right to freedom of expression and association in Uganda.”
NORWAY’S FOREIGN MINISTRY
“This law will threaten human rights & increases persecution and discrimination of all Ugandans. Norway stands firmly against the use of capital punishment at all times and under any circumstances.”
UGANDAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE STELLA NYANZI
“Dictator Yoweri @KagutaMuseveni has signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023) into law. Cry beloved Uganda, cry for this sad day for the rights of LGBTIQA+ people and their allies. La luta continua!”
(Compiled by Anait Miridzhanian, Aaron Ross, Bhargav Acharya, Catherine Schenck; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
