The Ugandan Parliament adjourned for the holidays on Friday, and again avoided taking any action on the controversial “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” that Speaker Rebecca Kadaga had promised would be approved as a “Christmas gift” to the nation.
The bill, often referred to as the “Kill the Gays Bill,” will still be up for consideration when lawmakers return in February.
First introduced in 2009 by MP David Bahati, the bill includes a clause which calls for the death penalty against people found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality” — defined as when one of the participants is a minor, HIV-positive, disabled or a “serial offender.” It also imposes harsher jail terms for homosexual acts, including a life sentence in certain circumstances.
But Parliament’s eagerness to take up the bill appears to be waning.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Box Turtle Bulletin reported that the bill has now fallen to number seven under “Notice of Business to Follow,” following some fairly mundane committee reports, after having held the top spot just two weeks ago.
