Ugandan legislators on Tuesday passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, which criminalises the act.

The parliament spokesperson, Chris Obore, confirmed this. “Yes, it was passed overwhelmingly.’’

“The vote represents the national mood against homosexuality, especially its deliberate and provocative promotion,’’ he added.

According to Mr Obore, the mover of the bill framed it well, focusing on the protection of family and children. “It persuaded many legislators who believed that there will be no human rights to talk about when the family is distorted,’’ he added.

The bill, once signed by the president into law, will prohibit same-sex sexual relationships and the promotion of homosexuality, penalise homosexual practices, and provide compensation to victims of homosexuality.

The bill introduced by an opposition lawmaker and passed at its third reading aims to protect the traditional family values, cherished culture, children, and youth vulnerable to sexual abuse.

Uganda’s parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act on December 20, 2013, before it was declared “null and void’’ by the constitutional court in 2014, citing a lack of a necessary quorum of lawmakers to vote on it. 

(Xinhua/NAN)