Homosexuality In Uganda Essay

The Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda As many as 70 countries around the world make it illegal for adults to engage in consensual homosexual acts. Homosexuality has been dealt differently within countries and societies, with some granting full marriage rights and others making homosexuality punishable by death. Gays worldwide experience several forms of hate towards them in their life time, whether it being a form of discrimination, abuse, abandonment, etc. Many also have to live secret lives to protect themselves from violent acts that are being brought upon them. The Anti-Homosexuality Law in the country of Uganda violates several human rights of its people such as the right from discrimination, the right to opinion and expression, and equality

The president of Uganda stated that in order to keep society from being disorientated, homosexuality should be harshly punished. “The law criminalizes and imposes sentences of life imprisonment for homosexuality, same sex marriage, and “aggravated homosexuality”.” (“Anti-Homosexuality…”). Life imprisonment for these individuals who are just trying to live their lives is an extreme form of punishment. Imprisoning gays will cause the prison fill up faster and become over crowded, which will also result in the prisons running out of room for the real threats to society. Although the gays seem to get all the attention and punishment, this is not the case. “It also provides sentences of 5 to 7 years for the “promotion” of, “attempting to commit”, “aiding and abetting”, and “conspiracy to engage in” homosexuality.” (“Anti-Homosexuality…”). Individuals who fail to report sexual acts between same sex couples can be sentenced up to three years. Prisons should not be used for hiding undesirables from society. Sending someone to prison for their sexuality isn’t going to change who they are, it will simply make them feel inferior about their sexuality rather than be proud. In some cases, individuals are even being lured into their

“Science has concluded that sexual orientation is a core personality trait, not a choice. You no more choose to be gay or bisexual than you choose to be left-handed or ambidextrous; it’s a morally neutral position.” (Rausing). Enforcing this law will potentially affect Uganda’s relations with other nations around the world as well. Many nations do not agree with what this law entails and are expressing their dislike of its passing. “Other Western nations, including Britain, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, also condemned the law, with some saying they will reconsider their aid to Ugandan government programs as a result.” (Raghavan). Obama described the legislation morally wrong and said that it would be a step back for Ugandans. In response, the U.S. government has begun taking actions against Uganda. The U.S. shifted about $6.4 million in funding away from Uganda’s Inter-Religious Council as well as $3 million for tourism and biodiversity programs. The Pentagon in return has also shifted their regional military conferences to different locations as a result of the laws passing. “Stronger concrete action coming out of the U.S’s review process is still needed as soon as