Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has defied international pressure and signed into law some of the world’s most severe anti-LGBTQ legislation, as announced by the speaker of parliament.

This new law includes provisions that prescribe the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which encompasses acts such as engaging in sexual relations with a minor, engaging in sexual activity while HIV positive, and engaging in incest, CNN reported.

Additionally, the legislation criminalizes sex education targeted at the LGBTQ community and mandates the reporting of individuals deemed as perpetrators of “aggravated homosexuality” to the police.

It further promotes the discredited practice of conversion therapy, referred to as “rehabilitation,” for gay individuals convicted under the law.

Earlier this year, Museveni had returned the bill to parliament for revisions, and the latest version of the bill was passed earlier this month.

The president of Uganda has faced significant criticism from Western governments, including the United States, for his stance on LGBTQ rights. In 2014, a similar homophobic law was overturned by the courts.

The speaker of parliament, Anita Annet Among, expressed her satisfaction with the signing of the bill, stating that parliament had listened to the concerns of the people and addressed them accordingly.

Written by staff