10 long years after the country’s attempt at bringing the death penalty against the LGBTQ+ community, Uganda is back in the headlines over even more homophobic legislation. Back then, the country attempted to enact what was called the ‘Kill the Gays’ bill which sought to kill anyone found to engage in homosexual or ‘sinful’ acts they claimed of the kind.
“You are either with us or you’re with the Western world,” Parliament Speaker Anita Among said, announcing the legislation. “We should be counted, and we are going to vote by show of hands on this matter.”
The bill is so broad according to numerous critics that it could also include anyone who even merely says the word gay online. It can carry prison sentences of 5-15 years (assuming that is entirely dependent on the judge in question) and fines of more than $27,000 or worse. It could also jail people for hosting brothels or other related events where LGBGTQ+ people may gather.