During the night of Tuesday, March 22, Ugandan parliamentarians gave their approval to one of the most discriminatory bills in the world. This new legislation imposes punishments of up to 20 years in prison and makes it possible to implement the death penalty for those who commit “homosexual acts” or identify themselves within the LGTBIQ+ community. After a debate of more than five hours, the text to be discussed was supported by more than 70% of the voters.

In a country where homosexuality was already illegal, legislators emphasized that homosexuals will have no place in Uganda. Constituting a new offensive against LGBTIQ+ people, and introducing new criminal offenses, this regulation prohibits acts such as promoting and inciting homosexuality or conspiracy to commit acts of homosexual orientation.

Under the premise of “protecting the church culture; the legal, religious and traditional family values of Ugandans from acts that may promote sexual promiscuity in that country”, the Ugandan Parliament gave the “yes” to a bill that goes against the integrity of the people. Such statements cannot be accepted in the 21st century. After years of struggles, efforts and progress in diversity, it is necessary that the entire international community unite and confront these events in defense of freedom of expression and human rights of the Ugandan people.

Parliamentarians for Global Action has been developing actions, mainly through the Gender, Equality and Inclusion Program, to ensure that all inhabitants of the planet enjoy their fundamental rights. In July 2022, for example, the African Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Gender Minorities was held in Johannesburg. This activity, co-organized with the United Nations, provided an overview for parliamentarians and enhanced their knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ+) issues in the region; MPs shares examples and best practices of their role in promoting LGBTIQ+ legislation, supporting and protecting human rights; strengthening the network of parliamentarians committed to the advancement of human rights and the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people around the world.

Despite all the efforts by different States and international organizations, which continue our aim to reduce existing inequalities in the world, there are still more than 70 countries that criminalize same-sex relations. In these countries, discriminatory laws punish those who decide to have consensual private relations with another person of the same sex and make it possible for them to be prosecuted, arrested and even killed.

Bills such as the one passed on Tuesday by the Ugandan Parliament only imply setbacks and greater inequality among the citizens of the African continent. This is why, from Parliamentarians for Global Action, we ask President Yoweri Museveni to seriously reconsider this situation and the possibility of using his right to veto to reject a law that condemns innocent people and, far from protecting him, harms the welfare of the population.

Promoting inclusive societies for peace and development is a duty for the international community and for all those who have the responsibility to be in charge of the governance of a state. The lives of Ugandan LGBTIQ+ people are in danger and need our help. Protecting Human Rights is not an option, it is a duty. There is still time for Uganda to be a place that does not condemn people for simply being who they choose to be.