The constitutional court refused on Wednesday to nullify or suspend the anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) law that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has berated Uganda’s constitutional court for upholding the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act which prohibits same-sex marriage.
The constitutional court refused on Wednesday to nullify or suspend the anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) law that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
The five-member court led by Judge Richard Buteera, said, "We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement."
However, the court voided some provisions that it described as being "inconsistent with right to health, privacy and freedom of religion."
Reacting to the court judgment, Blinken said that the verdict poses grave threats to LGBTQI+ Ugandans and allies.
Blinken in a post on X further said Uganda’s ability to increase foreign investment depends on equality under the law.
Today’s verdict on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act undermines human rights and public health for all and poses grave threats to LGBTQI+ Ugandans and allies. Uganda’s international reputation and ability to increase foreign investment depend on equality under the law.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 4, 2024
He wrote, “Today’s verdict on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act undermines human rights and public health for all and poses grave threats to LGBTQI+ Ugandans and allies.
“Uganda’s international reputation and ability to increase foreign investment depend on equality under the law.”