Uganda: Anti-Gay bill regressive and draconian
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To gales of applause and a standing ovation, the Ugandan parliament passed one of the most repressive anti-gay bills that the world has ever seen. This bill which criminalizes identifying as gay, is a reprehensible attack on human dignity.
It goes beyond merely criminalizing identifying as gay, as it would require friends and family members to report anyone suspected of being in a same-sex relationship and impose harsh punishments including imprisonment.
It also threatens to prosecute journalists and media outlets for publishing or broadcasting any content deemed “gay,” and would outlaw funding for any LGBTQIA+ related activities. Those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes committing abuse against children or vulnerable individuals, could face the death penalty. These extreme and discriminatory measures are a serious violation of human rights and must be strongly opposed by all who believe in equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
The role of US Conservative Evangelicals
US conservative evangelicals have played a significant role in contributing to the growing anti-gay sentiment and policies in Africa. Through a variety of means, such as sponsoring conferences, distributing anti-LGBTQIA+ literature, and lobbying government officials, conservative American groups have exported their anti-LGBTQIA+ agenda to Africa. They have formed alliances with African religious leaders and provided financial and ideological support for campaigns advocating for laws criminalizing homosexuality and opposing efforts to expand LGBTQIA+ rights.
These groups often frame their opposition to LGBTQIA+ rights in religious terms, arguing that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian values and traditional African culture. Their efforts have spread misinformation and fear-mongering about the LGBTQIA+ community, portraying them as a threat to public morality and the traditional family unit.
As a result of these efforts, many African countries have enacted harsh anti-gay laws, including criminalizing same-sex relationships and advocating for the death penalty. This has led to increased discrimination, violence, and persecution against LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout the continent.
The proposed bill in Uganda, which further criminalizes same-sex relationships, is a grave escalation of the already-existing laws against gay sex. The potential consequences of this legislation are dire, and even prior to its passage, there are reports of LGBTQIA+ individuals going into hiding to avoid persecution.
A snapshot of homophobia in Africa
The Ugandan anti-gay bill targeting the LGBTQIA+ community is just one example of the widespread anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment in many countries, particularly in Africa. Being gay is punishable by death in four countries: Nigeria, Mauritania, Somalia, and South Sudan. More than half of the roughly 64 nations that continue to criminalize same-sex relationships are located on the African continent. An overwhelming majority of countries take an intolerant stance. This has been evidenced by a core group of African states nearly derailing the appointment and renewal of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity.
While the majority of African nations still maintain discriminatory laws against same-sex relationships, there have been some positive developments in recent years. South Africa was the first country on the continent to legalize same-sex marriages. In addition, five other countries – Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Seychelles – have recently decriminalized same-sex relationships. These milestones represent important progress towards greater acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in Africa.
While there have been some notable advancements in LGBTQIA+ rights in a handful of African nations, unfortunately, they remain the exception rather than the rule. In fact, many countries in the region are following Uganda’s lead in imposing stricter regulations and harsher penalties on the LGBTQIA+ community. The Spartacus Blog’s Gay Travel Index, which issues advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers and identifies safe and unsafe destinations, currently lists only South Africa and the French island of Reunion as secure places for gay travellers on the African continent. Meanwhile, Niger, Mali, Lesotho, Cape Verde, and Botswana are ranked among the worst countries for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
In addition to the denial of basic human rights and dignity, the pervasive homophobia that exists throughout much of Africa has far-reaching consequences, including increased violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Human rights organizations have accused Egyptian security forces of detaining and torturing members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Similarly, the Rwandan government detained LGBTQIA+ individuals leading up to the 2021 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, claiming that their presence did not align with “Rwandan values.” Sadly, gay people in Nigeria are frequently subjected to arrest and harassment. These disturbing instances of violence and persecution underscore the urgent need for greater protections and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community across the African continent. Socialism recognizes that true equality and justice can only be achieved by addressing systemic inequalities and challenging capitalist structures that perpetuate discrimination and oppression. Uganda’s anti-gay bill is yet another manifestation of such reactionary forces that must be defeated.
