Ugandan parliament passes controversial bill to jail gay people

 Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda. But a controversial bill passed with widespread support in the east African country's parliament on Tuesday plans to go further and criminalize people who identify as gay or a sexual minority. The proposed legislation requires family, friends, and members of the community to report individuals in same-sex relationships.

The controversial bill, which was first tabled earlier this month, will now go to President Yoweri Museveni who can either sign it into law and make individuals susceptible to lengthy prison sentences or use his veto and maintain good relations with Western investors and donors.

Individuals convicted of grooming or trafficking children in order to engage them in homosexual activities could face life in prison under the proposed legislation. Moreover, individuals and institutions found supporting LGBT rights activities and organizations, or publishing, broadcasting, and distributing pro-gay material could also face imprisonment.

A small number of Ugandan MPs opposed the bill, saying the offenses it plans to address are already covered by the country's Penal Code Act. Activists and LGBT people said the bill could have far-reaching consequences for Ugandans in general, adding that anti-homosexuality sentiment in Uganda is making them vulnerable to physical and online violence.

A handful of years back, Uganda's constitutional court had nullified a similar act meant to toughen laws against the sexual minority population, including criminalizing the promotion and funding of LGBT groups and activities. The legislation had been passed by parliament without the necessary quorum, the court cited as the reason.

Almost 30 countries in Africa, where a number of people uphold conservative religious and social values, have banned same-sex relations.