File Photo The Ugandan Government claims its ‘Anti-Homosexuality Act’ is not anti-gay, but is about “protecting children”. “The enactment has been misinterpreted as a piece of legislation intended to punish and discriminate against people of a ‘homosexual orientation’, especially by our development partners,” it says in a statement. It says the Act’s only purpose is to “stop promotion and exhibition of homosexual practices”. However under the law people can be jailed for 'aggravated homosexuality'. The Government says it will remain committed to guaranteeing full access to social services, including health and HIV/AID services “for all persons in Uganda without discrimination”. Uganda has been hit with cuts in international aid due to the legislation. Gay Star News reports that since the anti-gay bill was passed, at least 17 Ugandans – mostly under the age of 25 – have attempted suicide. It says other consequences of the anti-gay law include arrests, evictions, homes burned down, blackmail, attempted lynchings, kidnappings and torture.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 10th July 2014 - 12:10pm