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.
‘Hear Our Cry’: South Africa s LGBTQ+ Activists Demand Action Amid Homophobic Attacks
President Ramaphosa condemned recent violence on Freedom Day, but activists say it s not enough.
Why Global Citizens Should Care
LGBTQ+ communities globally face stigma, prejudice, and violence every day around the world. In the mission to achieve the UN s Global Goals and end extreme poverty, the world is held back from progress while communities continue to be marginalised. Join the movement by taking action here to help end discrimination and violence, and achieve equality.
As South Africa celebrated Freedom Day this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa used the opportunity of his national address to call on South Africans to condemn homophobia, after a spate of homophobic murders rocked the country and sparked nationwide protests.
4 Openly Trans Politicians and Government Officials Making History Around the World globalcitizen.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from globalcitizen.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A Group of Lawmakers in Ghana Want to Criminalize LGBTQ+ Advocacy
This news comes weeks after Ghana s first LGBTQ+ community center was forced to close.
Why Global Citizens Should Care
Laws that criminalize same-sex activities and advocacy can dehumanize LGBTQ+ people and encourage social stigma. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at greater risk of living in poverty and experiencing discrimination and violence. Take action to promote equity and justice for all here.
Ghanaian parliamentarian Samuel Nartey George announced on Facebook on Monday that he and seven other members of parliament were introducing a bill to “ban the advocacy and act of homosexuality in all its current and future forms.”