By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The US White House has warned Uganda of possible sanctions if the newly passed anti-gay bill, which it says negates human rights, comes into implementation.
Ugandan lawmakers on Tuesday passed into law the stricter anti-gay bill which outlined harsher punishment for people who engage in same-sex activities.
Penalties under the new legislation include a 10-year-jail term for anyone who engages in same-sex relationships or identifies as LGBTQ.
There was very little opposition to the bill in parliament, which has majority of members backing the legislation.
The new law has been condemned by the international community including the United States, the UK and other European nations.
US secretary of state said in a statement that “The Anti-Homosexuality Act passed by the Ugandan Parliament yesterday would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We urge the Ugandan Government to strongly reconsider the implementation of this legislation.”
On Wednesday the National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists that Uganda could face some sanctions.
“We would have to take a look at whether or not there might be repercussions that we would have to take, perhaps in an economic way, should this law actually get passed and enacted,” Kirby said.
“So, we’ll have to take a look. No decisions. We’re watching this very, very closely. And hopefully, it won’t pass and we won’t have to do anything.”
The passed bill is awaiting a presidential assent before becoming law.
The European Union in a statement said the criminalisation of homosexuality is contrary to international human rights law.
“The European Union will continue engaging with the Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, are treated equally, with dignity and respect,” it said.
