EU slams Uganda's anti-gay law

2009-12-18 10:52

Strasbourg - The European parliament called on Ugandan authorities to scrap a controversial proposed law that would punish homosexuality with life in prison.

The parliament called on the authorities "not to approve the bill and to review their laws so as to decriminalise homosexuality".

Observing that homosexuality is legal in only 13 African countries and a punishable offence in 38 others, the MEPs said the proposed Ugandan laws could have a domino effect on other nations "where persons are or could be persecuted because of their sexual orientation".

The parliamentary statement also reminded Kampala of its obligations under international law and under the Cotonou Agreement, which calls for universal human rights to be respected.

Homosexuality is already a crime in Uganda and punishable by lengthy prison terms.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill would impose the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", including by those who are HIV positive.

The law changes would also criminalise any public discussion of homosexuality and could penalise an individual who knowingly rented property to a homosexual.

The legislative plans have already been strongly condemned elsewhere, notably by the United States, France and Canada.

"Criminalising adult consensual sex is not only a human rights issue, it goes against a good HIV strategy," said Catherine Hankins, the chief scientific advisor for Unaids.

- AFP