Uganda's anti-LGBTQ law restricts media and activists, too
Frank Yiga | Isaac Kaledzi
DW
March 23, 2023
Uganda's new and stricter laws to punish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer people puts draconian restrictions on the media and advocates for LGBTQ rights, too.
Journalists in Uganda are wary about the new Anti-Homosexuality Bill that is making its way into law, which would allow the government to imprison LGBTQ people.
The bill also includes restrictions on the media.
Journalists and publishers could face prosecution and imprisonment for publishing, broadcasting or distributing content deemed to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ people.
The provisions have sparked fear in media circles. "We have a problem," says Francis Ahabyona, a Kampala-based news editor.
"The Journalists Act talks about balanced and fairness. We are supposed to be independent-minded; we are supposed to be objective. When you begin to infringe on the rights and freedoms of a media person then you are denying information to the public," Ahabyona told DW.
Uganda's new and stricter laws to punish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer people puts draconian restrictions on the media and advocates for LGBTQ rights, too.
Journalists in Uganda are wary about the new Anti-Homosexuality Bill that is making its way into law, which would allow the government to imprison LGBTQ people.
The bill also includes restrictions on the media.
Journalists and publishers could face prosecution and imprisonment for publishing, broadcasting or distributing content deemed to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ people.
The provisions have sparked fear in media circles. "We have a problem," says Francis Ahabyona, a Kampala-based news editor.
"The Journalists Act talks about balanced and fairness. We are supposed to be independent-minded; we are supposed to be objective. When you begin to infringe on the rights and freedoms of a media person then you are denying information to the public," Ahabyona told DW.
Tough new penalties for homosexuality in Uganda: DW talks to LGBTQ+ rights activist Richard Lusimbo 03:55
LGBTQ rights advocacy outlawed
One news reporter who requested anonymity told DW that she is puzzled by the inclusion of the media in the new legislation. Lawmakers should have consulted communications experts before proposing such clauses in the draft law, she says.
"If a journalist or a media house is being held accountable for exposing homosexuality, or a homosexual whom they are fighting, that means they are just hiding their heads in the sand. It cannot be both ways," she said.
"They would have requested us to support them, but it is like they are telling us to leave them: don't touch them," she added.
Individuals and institutions found to support or fund LGBTQ rights advocacy work, as well as journalists and media outlets who publish, broadcast or distribute literature deemed pro-LGBTQ could face prosecution and imprisonment.
A tabloid's attempted outing of LGBTQ people in 2010 led to widespread fear
The bill also makes provision for a life sentence for anyone convicted of grooming or trafficking children for purposes of engaging them in "homosexual activities."
The bill would also permit the death penalty for the sexual abuse of a child, a person with a disability or a vulnerable person.
The bill also makes provision for a life sentence for anyone convicted of grooming or trafficking children for purposes of engaging them in "homosexual activities."
The bill would also permit the death penalty for the sexual abuse of a child, a person with a disability or a vulnerable person.
Rights groups decry the law
President Yoweri Museveni has 30 days to assent to or reject the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which received broad government and public support.
The majority of lawmakers have hailed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill as comprehensive and argue that it is geared toward protecting traditional family values and Uganda's diverse culture.
Christian Rumu, an Amnesty International campaigner for the Great African Lakes region, told DW that the new legislation is not about values or culture.
"I think it is really the promotion of hatred and the promotion of intolerance rather than really the intention of curtailing the promotion of homosexuality," Rumu said.
"It has never been an issue if you ask Ugandans on the streets," he said. "But, at the end of the day, the consequences of this law is going to be promoting intolerance in the community and that would lead up to violence against an already marginalized community."
Fox Odoi, the lawmaker who read the minority view on the draft law, told DW that many of the clauses already exist in law.
"The bill is a duplication of the provisions that already exist under the Penal Code Act and is therefore unnecessary," Odoi said.
Uganda's Anglican bishops row over same-sex blessing 03:17
Scathing international reaction
Human Rights Watch has warned that the law will violate the rights under both Ugandan and international law on a number of levels — including freedom of expression and association, privacy, and freedom from discrimination, inhuman and degrading treatment.
"Museveni should reject the bill and parliament should introduce comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation that would protect sexual and other minorities in line with Uganda's international obligations," HRW said.
The United States has warned Uganda of economic "repercussions" if the new law comes into effect.
"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," US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said
The 27-member European Union has also expressed deep concern.
“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.
Edited by Benita van Eyssen
DW
March 23, 2023
The new anti-gay legislation in the East African country would mean long prison terms or even death for people who identify as LGBTQ.
Germany's government has sharply criticized a new law passed by Uganda's Parliament, calling it "draconian" and saying it means "a declaration of war on queer people."
Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance Commissioner Luise Amtsberg said the law "would be a grave violation of human rights."
"I appeal to the Ugandan president not to sign this law," Amtsberg said.
On Tuesday, Uganda's Parliament passed sweeping anti-gay legislation, which proposes new penalties for same-sex relationships.
Germany's commissioner for LGBTIQ+ equality, Sven Lehmann, described it as a "draconian tightening" of the already existing criminalization of homosexuality in the East African country.
Lehmann urged for the legislation to be stopped, saying it amounted to a "declaration of war on queer people."
What is in the bill?
The anti-gay bill would punish people who fail to report homosexual acts with seven to 10 years in prison or heavy fines.
People found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" would face the death penalty and those found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts can face life imprisonment.
The law would also punish people who knowingly harbor or provide medical care or legal assistance to LGBTQ people.
The bill, adopted by Parliament, now requires President Yoweri Museveni's signature to become law. It is expected that the 78-year-old president will sign it.
International condemnation
In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the bill was "probably among the worst of its kind in the world."
"If signed into law by the president, it will render lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Uganda criminals simply for existing, for being who they are. It could provide carte blanche for the systematic violation of nearly all of their human rights and serve to incite people against each other," Türk said.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre echoed that statement, calling the legislation among the "most extreme in the world."
If the law were enacted, US national security spokesman John Kirby said, the United States would "have to take a look" at imposing economic sanctions on Uganda.
The new anti-gay legislation in the East African country would mean long prison terms or even death for people who identify as LGBTQ.
Germany's government has sharply criticized a new law passed by Uganda's Parliament, calling it "draconian" and saying it means "a declaration of war on queer people."
Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance Commissioner Luise Amtsberg said the law "would be a grave violation of human rights."
"I appeal to the Ugandan president not to sign this law," Amtsberg said.
On Tuesday, Uganda's Parliament passed sweeping anti-gay legislation, which proposes new penalties for same-sex relationships.
Germany's commissioner for LGBTIQ+ equality, Sven Lehmann, described it as a "draconian tightening" of the already existing criminalization of homosexuality in the East African country.
Lehmann urged for the legislation to be stopped, saying it amounted to a "declaration of war on queer people."
What is in the bill?
The anti-gay bill would punish people who fail to report homosexual acts with seven to 10 years in prison or heavy fines.
People found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" would face the death penalty and those found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts can face life imprisonment.
The law would also punish people who knowingly harbor or provide medical care or legal assistance to LGBTQ people.
The bill, adopted by Parliament, now requires President Yoweri Museveni's signature to become law. It is expected that the 78-year-old president will sign it.
International condemnation
In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the bill was "probably among the worst of its kind in the world."
"If signed into law by the president, it will render lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Uganda criminals simply for existing, for being who they are. It could provide carte blanche for the systematic violation of nearly all of their human rights and serve to incite people against each other," Türk said.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre echoed that statement, calling the legislation among the "most extreme in the world."
If the law were enacted, US national security spokesman John Kirby said, the United States would "have to take a look" at imposing economic sanctions on Uganda.
The international community has warned of repercussions if the bill is signed into law
Image: Rebecca Vassie/AP Photo/picture alliance
A spokesperson for foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said "the EU is deeply concerned by the passing of an anti-homosexuality bill by the Parliament."
"We will continue engaging with authorities & civil society to ensure that all individuals are treated equally," the spokesperson wrtoe on Twitter.
East Africa continues to witness a growing crackdown on LGBTQ people, with Tanzania's ruling party calling for homosexual people to be castrated.
In Kenya, President William Ruto said in early March that homosexuality has no place in the country.
dmn,jcg/nm (dpa,AP,Reuters)
A spokesperson for foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said "the EU is deeply concerned by the passing of an anti-homosexuality bill by the Parliament."
"We will continue engaging with authorities & civil society to ensure that all individuals are treated equally," the spokesperson wrtoe on Twitter.
East Africa continues to witness a growing crackdown on LGBTQ people, with Tanzania's ruling party calling for homosexual people to be castrated.
In Kenya, President William Ruto said in early March that homosexuality has no place in the country.
dmn,jcg/nm (dpa,AP,Reuters)
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