Uganda’s parliament has softened an anti-homosexuality measure that would have criminalized anyone just for identifying as LGBTQ+.
Human rights activists were angry when the new legislation was originally adopted in March.
Individuals in same-sex relationships would have to be reported to authorities by members of the public.
Later, after President Yoweri Museveni suggested changes, the bill was returned to parliament. He claimed that the clause punishing persons who identify as LGBT would have resulted in people being prosecuted only because of their physical appearance.
As a result of colonial control, same-sex actions have long been outlawed in Uganda.
Although this latest version of the bill has been watered down since its first appearance last month, it remains one of the continent’s most stringent anti-gay legislation.
Landlords who knowingly rent out facilities for gay conduct face a seven-year prison sentence.
The law still calls for the death sentence for “aggravated offenses,” such as child abuse.
Furthermore, the public will be required to report any form of homosexual abuse against children or other vulnerable people to authorities.
The law was passed in a landslide, with only one MP voting against it. The president will then have to sign it into law.
International human rights organizations have strongly opposed the draft bill.
In 2014, Uganda’s constitutional court overturned a similar measure.
Research published last week revealed that the UK, EU nations, and the US have provided at least $75 million (£60 million) in funding to anti-LGBTQ+ groups in Uganda.
