(MENAFN) Members of Uganda's LGBTQ community are fearing for their personal liberties and safety in the wake of the passage of one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ bills. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 criminalizes "the offence of homosexuality," subjecting anyone who identifies as LGBTQ or "any other sexual or gender identity that is contrary to the binary categories of male and female" to imprisonment of up to 10 years if convicted.
The legislation would also outlaw the promotion of homosexuality, which means anyone advocating for LGBTQ rights or anyone providing funding to organizations that do faces the threat of imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 1 billion Ugandan shillings, or about $265,900.
Landlords and property owners also face the threat of prosecution through penalties or imprisonment if their premises are found to be used for "homosexual acts."
The passage of the bill has left members of Uganda's LGBTQ community feeling persecuted and worried about their personal safety. Discrimination and violence against the community have been on the rise in recent years.
Atuhaire, a Kampala-based member of Uganda's LGBTQ community, spoke to ABC News about the fear and uncertainty they are experiencing. "There are no words to describe the feeling of being persecuted by everyone around you, just for being yourself, for being who you are," Atuhaire said.
The passage of the bill raises questions about human rights and the treatment of marginalized communities. It also highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in many parts of the world, where discrimination and violence against the community remain widespread.
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