Ugandan lawmakers are voting on an anti-homosexual bill that will propose a maximum sentence of life inprison for same sex behavior.
CNN reports that homosexuality is illegal in Uganda. Gays and lesbians are being physically attacked and outcast already but the new bill will be harsher.
Amnesty International said, “The bill would have lasting, harmful effects on Ugandans who are thought to breach its far-reaching provisions and it would significantly hamper the work of human rights defenders and public health professionals.”
Some nations have already threatened to withhold aid from Uganda in 2009 when the legislation was first proposed.
Gay rights activist David Kato was beaten to death in 2011 in Uganda, which many believe was due to homophobia.
Reuters said President Obama referred to the bill as “odious.”
Rebecca Kadaga, parliament speaker, said, “Ugandans want that law as a Christmas gift. They have asked for it and we’ll give them that gift.”
Kadaga can expedite the bill to bring it to the House for final debate and voting. She said it is possible to pass it before Christmas.
“It’s very, very possible, we can do it,” Kadaga said.
Homosexuality is taboo in many countries in Africa and is illegal in 37 countries.
