Uganda's parliament has passed one of the strictest anti-LGBTQ bills in the world, retaining most of the measures of the legislation adopted in March, despite international condemnation.
The new law includes the provision of jail terms and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” such as gay sex when HIV-positive.
The bill allows a 20-year sentence for promoting homosexuality, which activists say could criminalise any advocacy for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.
The legislation now awaits the signature of President Yoweri Museveni, who has indicated he intends to sign the law, once certain changes are made, including the addition of measures to offer medical care to gay people.
The legislation was amended to stipulate that identifying as LGBTQ is not a crime. However, the law does not address the issue of enforcement by the police.
Same-sex relations are already illegal in Uganda and LGBTQ individuals routinely face arrests by law enforcement, passage of the bill in March saw a wave of arrests, evictions, and mob attacks, members of the community say.
The U.S. government said last week that it was assessing the implications of the looming law for activities in Uganda under its flagship HIV/AIDS programme.
After a voice vote on Tuesday, parliament speaker Anita Among urged lawmakers to remain defiant in the face of international criticism.
“Let's protect Ugandans, let's protect our values, our virtues,” Among said. “The Western world will not come and rule Uganda.”