The United States is strongly condemning Uganda's recently passed anti-gay legislation and is urging the government of Uganda to repeal the law.
“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) threatens the lives of its people as well as the country’s prosperity," Sec. of State Antony Blinken said in a May 29 tweet. "The United States urges the immediate repeal of the AHA to protect the human rights of all Ugandans."
Federal Newswire reported previously that the anti-gay law "harshly penalizes not only individuals in same-sex relationships but also criminalizes even identifying as LGBTQ+" with punishments including life in prison and even the death penalty. The law also imposes brutal punishments on organizations or individuals who "promote homosexuality," such as advocacy groups, human rights defenders and health workers, according to the report.
The State Department (DOS) is developing mechanisms to support LGBTQI+ rights in the East African country and to pursue accountability for officials or individuals who abuse human rights, Blinken announced in a May 29 press release. Blinken has also directed the DOS to update travel guidelines for Americans and U.S. businesses, and to consider using visa restrictions against Ugandan officials for "abuse of universal human rights, including the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons."
"The United States is deeply troubled by Uganda’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law that undermines the human rights, prosperity, and welfare of all Ugandans," Blinken stated in the release. "Uganda’s failure to safeguard the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is part of a broader degradation of human rights protections that puts Ugandan citizens at risk and damages the country’s reputation as a destination for investment, development, tourism, and refugees."
President Joe Biden said the "shameful Act" is the latest example of "an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda."
"The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights — one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people, and one that jeopardizes the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country," Biden said in the official statement.
Biden stated that this “democratic backsliding” poses dangers that threaten everyone residing in Uganda, including U.S. government personnel, the staff of implementing partners with the U.S., tourists, business community members and others. He directed the National Security Council to evaluate what implications this law will have on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including emergency AIDS relief and other assistance.
"I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal," Biden said. "No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong."
