“It’s Wrong”, Repeal Anti- Homosexuality Law or Face Severe Sanctions – Joe Biden tell Uganda’s President

“It’s Wrong”, Repeal Anti-Homosexuality Law or Face Severe Sanctions – Joe Biden tell Uganda’s President.

President of the United States, Joe Biden, has demanded the repeal of Uganda’s Anti-
Homosexuality Law barely a day after it was
signed into law by his counterpart, Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni.

The White House, on May 29, published a
statement in which Biden referred to the new
law as a “tragic violation of universal human
rights.”

He also described it as wrong and called for
its repeal immediately. The US government also listed a number of economic sanctions Uganda will be subjected to, adding that visa sanctions will be imposed on officials over the law and instances of corruption.

President Yoweri Museveni signed the much-
talked-about anti-homosexuality bill into law
on May 29.

The new legislation limits the offence of
homosexuality to gay sexual acts, carrying a
maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Aggravated offences, such as sexual abuse
against minors or disabled individuals, or
infectinga victim with a lifelong illness, can
result in the death penalty, the BBC Africa LIVE page reported.

The law also mandates reporting of any
homosexual abuse against children or
vulnerable individuals.

International organizations expressed deep concern over the law’s impact on health education and outreach programs for AIDS and the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals.

Statement from President Joe Biden on the
Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality
Act 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.

I join with people around the world-including many in Uganda- in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong.

Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was
introduced, reports of violence and
discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+ are on the rise.

Innocent Ugandans now fear going to
hospitals, clinics, or other establishments to
receive life-saving medical care lest they be
targeted by hateful reprisals. Some have been evicted from their homes or fired from their jobs. And the prospect of graver threats-including lengthy prison sentences, violence, abuse-threatens any number of Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom.

This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda. The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including US governnment personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others.

As such, I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of US engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments.

My Administration will also incorporate the
impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). And we are
considering additional steps, including the
application of sanctions and restriction of
entry into the United States against anyone
involved in serious human rights abuses or