Forty-two people have been charged after they were arrested in a raid on an LGBTI+ youth shelter in Kampala, Uganda. The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion F
New Sex Offences Law in Uganda Targets LGBTQ+ Communities and People With HIV: Rights Experts
The bill seeks to protect victims of sexual violence, but is also under fire for discrimination.
By Nita Bhalla
NAIROBI, May 7 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) A new Ugandan law that seeks to better protect victims of sexual violence has been criticised by rights campaigners who say it discriminates against vulnerable groups including LGBT+ people, sex workers, and those living with HIV.
The Sexual Offences Bill has drawn praise for provisions such as protecting victims during trials and outlawing sexual harassment, but it also criminalises gay sex and sex work, and sets out harsher sentences for HIV-positive rape defendants.
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NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A new Ugandan law that seeks to better protect victims of sexual violence has been criticised by rights campaigners who say it discriminates against vulnerable groups including LGBT+ people, sex workers and those living with HIV.
The Sexual Offences Bill has drawn praise for provisions such as protecting victims during trials and outlawing sexual harassment, but it also criminalises gay sex and sex work, and sets out harsher sentences for HIV-positive rape defendants.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said she was “deeply troubled” by parts of the legislation, which consolidates existing laws and rulings and was passed by parliament earlier this week.