Uganda Passes New Law Making It A Crime To Identify As LGBTQ

Uganda's parliament has proposed penalties for same-sex relationships in an anti-gay bill, criminalising anyone identifying as LGBTQ.

The bill further imposes death penalty for cases involving “aggravated homosexuality”, which includes same-sex sexual acts without consent, with a person under the age of 18, people with mental or physical disabilities, by a “serial offender,” or involving incest.

The bill was passed with the objective of protecting "traditional family values" and "faiths".

Urging the Ugandan Government to reconsider the legislation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the bill "would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

Saudi Arabia also criminalises same-sex sexual activity, alongside criminalising the gender expression of trans people. Other countries like Malaysia, Brunei, Oman, and Kuwait also have similar laws.

Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ policies also drew media attention during the FIFA World Cup 2022, with rainbow armbands prohibited and fans being told they can’t wear rainbow shirts. Qatar criminalises same-sex sexual activity, with sentences including a possible maximum penalty of death.

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