US considers sanctions against Uganda over anti-LGBTQ+ law

If the law actually goes into effect, it will have to be considered whether it has any economic implications, National Security Council communications director John Kirby said Wednesday.

“We are extremely concerned about the passage of the bill,” said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. It would undermine universal human rights, jeopardize progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS and damage Uganda’s international reputation.

Uganda’s parliament passed an anti-gay law on Tuesday. Under this law, people who commit homosexual acts in the East African country or fail to report attempted homosexual acts can be sentenced to seven and ten years in prison or heavy fines.

In the worst case, homosexuals who are guilty of “serious” crimes can even face the death penalty. The MPs did not specify in detail which offenses are included.

The law will come into effect only after it is signed by Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s longtime president. However, the 78-year-old had already expressed his good will before parting ways. The climate for gays and lesbians has also deteriorated recently in other East African countries. A leading politician from Tanzania’s governing party called for the castration of homosexuals this weekend. Kenyan President William Ruto said in early March that there was no place for homosexuality in his country. (sda/dpa)