Criminalization of Same-Sex Conduct in Uganda
As people of faith committed to equality, it is our duty to uphold religious teachings that emphasize love and compassion. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community aligns with Community Renewal Society’s (CRS) values of recognizing and respecting the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender or expression.
We work to inspire inclusive perspectives that affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals. Embracing our LGBTQIA+ solidarity involves actively acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of human experiences and identities while simultaneously rejecting and challenging discrimination, stigma and attitudes that harm our shared humanity. Such negative perspectives may take the form of legislation, such as the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on May 29, 2023, dangerously deems homosexuality as “aggravated,” criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity and increases discrimination and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community.
For members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Uganda charged with violating this act, they face life imprisonment as well as the possibility of the death penalty. After being charged and put in custody for having sex with a man, a 20-year-old in Soroti (eastern Uganda) has been subjugated to endure anal examinations and other human rights violations.
CRS opposes this act that severely restricts the liberties of privacy and expression and imposes cruel, unconstitutional and unjust punishment.
Your voice, advocacy and activism are urgently needed to support LGBTQIA+ individuals in Uganda. Take action with CRS to build Beloved Community and advance equity, inclusion and justice. We encourage you to invite your congregation to engage in protecting the LGBTQIA+ community. To make an impact:
Learn about escalating violence in Uganda including home evictions and threats.
Access statements in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Raise funds for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Uganda and LGBTQIA+ refugees.
Sign the Human Rights Campaign petition urging Congress to pass the Equality Act.
Sign the American Civil Liberties Union petition urging Congress to pass the Equality Act.
Let us know that you are interested in getting involved in our LGBTQIA+ Faith, Race and Equity work.
Read and share our LGBTQIA+ blog articles and resources.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram for updates on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of the ChatGPT language model developed by OpenAI.