Harsh Penalties for Homosexuality in Uganda
The U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Uganda to pull back a law which imposes harsh penalties for homosexuality, warning that it could fuel prejudice and encourage harassment and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Ban has also stated his concerns to Uganda’s U.N. envoy, hours before Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signed the law in the face of the protests from the rights groups and criticism from the Western donors.
Ban’s spokesman Martin Nesriky stated that “The Secretary General urges the Government to protect all persons from violence and discrimination, and hopes that the law can be revised or repealed at the earliest opportunity.” He said that “he offers the support of the United Nations for constructive dialogue to achieve change on this matter. Everyone is entitled to enjoy the same basic rights and live a life of worth and dignity without discrimination.”
Upon imposing such life sentences for homosexuality and same sex marriage, Ban agreed would “fuel prejudice as well as encourage harassment and violence.” The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillav stated the same assessment.
In African countries, Homosexuality is a taboo and is illegal in 37 countries including Uganda, where the rights groups have stated that gay people have long risked jail. The fear of violence, imprisonment and loss of jobs means that few gays will be able to come out and live freely in Africa.
