The heavily protested Anti-Homosexuality Bill is under discussion in the Ugandan parliament today despite reports that it had been shelved several months ago.
Box Turtle Bulletin reports that, in recent weeks, Uganda has been in upheaval due to rioting and demonstrations against rising gas prices. Violent government crackdowns have only led to more civil unrest – and according to bloggers for GayUganda, Parliament’s return to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is either an attempt to deflect attention from astronomic food and fuel prices or a sneaky opportunity to pass the incendiary measure while popular attention is directed elsewhere.
As it stands today, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill would, if passed, instate the death penalty for homosexuals who are either HIV positive, “repeat offenders” or engaged in sexual activity with a disabled partner (regardless of consent). It would impose a lifetime sentence for a variety of other “offences” and broadly criminalize gay advocacy of even the slightest kind – including renting property to homosexuals or failing to report suspected homosexuals to authorities within 24 hours.
In one of several attempts to promote passage of the bill, sponsor M.P. David Bahati once again consented to drop the death penalty provision. However, homosexuals would still face life imprisonment and myriad human rights violations under the law if it should pass before the Parliament session ends on Wednesday, May 11.
