Ugandan gays may get death penalty
Posted on 17/12/2009
Uganda seems to be going back in time. The national parliament is discussing a legislative proposal that would introduce capital punishment for homosexuality. Hivos is seriously concerned about this and is therefore supporting a local protest committee.
'If this bill is passed, it will have huge consequences. And not only for gays.' The speaker is Tamme Hansma, programme officer for human rights and democratisation at Hivos.
Compulsory report
'In the recent past there was somewhat more room for the gay movement in Uganda', says Hansma. 'But to be honest, an anti-gay climate has prevailed in this country for ages.' In Uganda, which is predominantly Christian, homosexuality carries a fourteen-year jail sentence. The legislative proposal would increase this to life imprisonment. And the death penalty would even apply in cases of 'serious homosexuality'. The bill would also make it compulsory for all citizens to report suspected gays and lesbians. Anyone who does not, risks a fine and a maximum prison term of three years.
Anti-human rights
'If it is adopted, this act will violate all the international treaties ever signed by Uganda', says Hansma. ‘It’s not just an anti-gay law, it’s an anti-human rights law.' Ugandan partners of Hivos have taken the lead in an action committee against the proposal. The coalition is made up of gay organisations, women’s organisations and other NGOs. Hansma: 'Hivos gives the committee financial support. In addition, we have brought in experienced gay activists from South Africa and Cameroon to Uganda. They are now sharing their expertise with the action group.'
Photo: via Ireen Dubel/Hivos
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