National Security Online Resource Center

Several African countries have serious HIV problems, including Uganda which has a 5% infection rate (which is lower than several of its neighbors). But Uganda has come under fire for a proposed law to further criminalize homosexuality. According to the bill under consideration, which could (possibly) be considered part of an effort to reduce HIV infections in the country, calls for those convicted of having homosexual sex to be sentenced to life in prison. Also, those who are convicted of the aforementioned crime who are also HIV-positive are guilty of “aggravated homosexuality” and can be sentenced to death. Other crimes include failure to report homosexual activity, punishable by three years in prison, and advocating for homosexuality, which would be punishable by seven years in prison.

The United Kingdom and Canada swiftly denounced the move and added that if passed, Uganda’s international standing for supporting human rights would drastically decrease. As a Canadian official states, “If adopted, a Bill further criminalising homosexuality would constitute a significant step backwards for the protection of human rights in Uganda.”

African countries should take acts to reduce HIV rates, but this is just outrageous. HIV is certainly not a problem unique among homosexuals. All this proposed bill would do is further perceptions that Uganda does not respect basic human rights. The Ugandan government should listen the West’s objection to the law and act accordingly.