Uganda’s parliament has passed a bill which will criminalize people who identify as gay, or a sexual minority. Individuals could face lengthy prison terms if the bill is signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni. Under the proposed legislation, friends, family and members of the community will have a duty to report individuals in same-sex relationships to the authorities.
Homosexual acts are already illegal in the east African country. But the bill seeks to go further and criminalize people on the basis of their sexual identity. The bill, which was first tabled earlier this month, passed with widespread support in Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday.