UK government condemns 'appalling' Ugandan anti-gay legislation that could mean the death penalty in some cases

The government has condemned Uganda's new anti-gay legislation that could result in the death penalty in some cases - calling it "appalling" and "deeply discriminatory".

The version of the bill signed by President Yoweri Museveni doesn't criminalise those who identify as LGBTQ, which had been a key concern for campaigners who condemned an earlier draft of the legislation as an egregious attack on human rights.

But the new law still prescribes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people.

A suspect convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be imprisoned for up to 14 years, according to the legislation.

UK international development minister Andrew Mitchell said: "Democracy depends on the guarantee of equal rights under law and freedom from discrimination for everyone in society.

"This legislation undermines the protections and freedoms of all Ugandans enshrined in the Ugandan constitution.

"It will increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/Aids, and will damage Uganda's international reputation."

Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he added: "Everyone is entitled to human rights and freedoms, without distinction of any kind.

"The recognition of these inherent rights has been hard-won by citizens across the globe.

"The strongest, safest and most prosperous societies are those in which everyone can live freely, without fear of violence or discrimination, and where all citizens are treated fairly and can play a full and active part in society."

He said the UK is firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances.

Uganda's parliamentary speaker Anita Among said in a statement that the president had "answered the cries of our people" in signing the bill.

"With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the members of parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country," the statement said.

Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda and the country has some of the strictest punishments. It is one of more than 30 African countries where it is criminalised.

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US President Joe Biden also made his opposition to Uganda's new law clear, describing it as "a tragic violation of universal human rights".

He said he joins people "around the world - including many in Uganda - in calling for its immediate repeal".

"No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong," he said.

"This shameful act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda.

"The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including US government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others."

The US has previously warned of economic consequences over legislation described by Amnesty International as "draconian and overly broad".

The leaders of the UN AIDS program, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund in a joint statement Monday said they "are deeply concerned about the harmful impact" of the legislation on public health and the HIV response.

"Uganda's progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy," the statement said.