[imagesource:ndla]

Even though it’s only been a week since we had to facepalm ourselves, here we are once more.

Ugandans who identify as gay now face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives in jail as a result of their parliament’s passage of a new law that cracks down on homosexuality. Especially “aggravated homosexuality”, for which you might receive the death penalty.

Under the new bill, friends, family members, and even your community will have a responsibility to report anyone they know is involved in same-sex relationships. It even goes as far as to outlaw ‘coming out’.

To really complete this shitshow of ignorance, not only do the gay folk need to fear politicians, but there have been instances of people being blackmailed over their sexual orientation.

“There is a lot of blackmail. People are receiving calls saying, “If you don’t give me money, I will report that you are gay,'”

Imagine for a moment what it must be like to live in fear of being outed by your colleagues, neighbours, friends, or even a family member. The police are out to get you, and if your rainbow is too bright, you can be put to death. Homophobia is one thing, but this is a witchhunt like back in the Dark Ages.

Surprisingly, the bill was supported by a majority of parliamentarians. Surely there are some of them who have gay family members? Are they willing to sacrifice their own children?

“This deeply repressive legislation will institutionalize discrimination, hatred, and prejudice against LGBTI people — including those who are perceived to be LGBTI — and block the legitimate work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders.”

Most of the relevant foreign diplomats have criticised the move by the Ugandan Parliament, with the US insinuating economic repercussions – perhaps hoping the mention of money would sway some politicians.

The only person who is still able to stop this madness is President Yoweri Museveni. He has however been very critical of foreign pressure on the bill, so he might just sign it to piss off the West. Why not? Governments that pass bills like this are petty and ignorant enough to risk millions of lives with their flawed ambitions.

Gay rights activists accuse the government of using the bill to distract the public from its failures to address some of their more pressing economic concerns.

Clare Byarugaba, LGBTQ+ rights activist and author of Chapter Four Uganda, told the BBC that the government was only pushing the ‘anti-gay rhetoric’ to distract people. People who are backing the bill have said that it is intended to protect children.

“There is no reason why you should have a bill that criminalizes individuals that are having consensual, same-sex adult relationships. The government and parliament should introduce laws, or at least implement existing ones, that protect all children — boys and girls — from defilement.”

The actual bill is rather vague, but pretty much criminalises everyone who supports, or promotes gayness, whether media groups, journalists, or publishers. If found guilty, they face prosecution and imprisonment for promoting homosexuality.

The bill also applies the death penalty to “aggravated homosexuality” and to property owners for using their premises as a “brothel” for homosexual acts. In other words, no more pride celebration parties at your house, or anywhere else within the borders of the country in which you were born.

The Ugandan constitutional court slammed a second statute that had imposed further restrictions on the LGBT community in 2014. Promoting and funding LGBT groups and activities became illegal and punishable by life imprisonment.

Fortunately, the act was annulled on a technicality, but it seems they had their minds made up already, and now they join the 30 other African countries that have laws against people for being who they are.

Give yourself another smack and feel the sting. If you’re gay and from Uganda, that must be how your heart feels right now.

[source:bbc]