A Ugandan lawmaker has said that
parliament could approve a revised anti-gay law in time for
Christmas.
Similar legislation was struck down on
technicalities earlier this year.
Abdu Latif Ssebagal told Reuters that
the parliamentary committee formed to draft a new version of the law
was prepared to introduce it to parliament for debate.
“The draft is ready and we have
strengthened the law, especially in areas of promotion and luring
children,” said
Ssebagal, who sits on the committee. “Next week we expect to
meet the speaker to fix a date for the re-tabling to parliament.”
Ssebagala said the committee was hoping
for quick approval so that the nation “can celebrate it as a
Christmas gift.”
Last year's law called for life
imprisonment for the crime of “aggravated homosexuality,”
classified as repeat offenders or cases where one of the partners is
HIV-positive, a minor or disabled. The law also banned the
“promotion of homosexuality.”
New language in this year's bill makes
it illegal to rent homes where an “unnatural act” takes place.
In August, President Yoweri Museveni,
who is up for re-election in 2016, said the law wasn't a priority and
could damage the nation's economy. He made his comments shortly
after returning from a visit to the White House, where he attended a
summit of African leaders hosted by President Barack Obama.
However, Museveni has also vigorously
defended signing last year's legislation.