Takano, Beatty introduce resolution condemning anti-LGBTQ Uganda law

Reps. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) introduced a resolution Wednesday condemning an anti-LGBTQ law in Uganda, according to Takano’s office.

“It is difficult to overstate the gross inhumanity of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act,” Takano said in a Thursday press release. “Instead of focusing on rooting out corruption or ending extrajudicial killings, the Ugandan Parliament, President, and Constitutional Court have chosen to mark LGBTQ+ Ugandans as less than human.”

Uganda’s president signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act about a year ago, taking aim at those who have gay sex by threatening them with prison time. 

“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 U.S. government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others,” President Biden wrote after lawmakers passed the law.

Beatty said in the press release that the Anti-Homosexuality Act is “one of the harshest anti-LGBTQI+ laws the world has seen,” referring to it as “draconian.”

“This resolution shows that members of the United States Congress stand with LGBTQI+ Ugandans and demands immediate repeal of this unjust law so that all Ugandans can lead safe, healthy lives free from fear,” Beatty said. 

Back in December, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an expansion of the previous visa restriction policy aimed at “those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda,” to “officials or others” thought to be behind or “complicit in, policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations.”

“These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers,” Blinken said in a statement. “The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.”