More than 30 African countries, including Uganda, already ban same-sex relationships (Photo: AFP)

Uganda has passed a law that allows people to face up to 10 years in prison just for identifying as LGBTQ+.

Applause erupted at the parliament building in Kampala as lawmakers passed the new law.

It gives authorities extensive powers to target gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

More than 30 African countries, including Uganda, already ban same-sex relationships.

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But Human Rights Watch warned that this appears to be the first to ban identification as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 maintains a pre-existing life sentence for same-sex conduct while increasing the sentence for attempted same-sex conduct to 10 years.

Violators face severe penalties, including death for “aggravating homosexuality” and life imprisonment for gay sex.

Under the law, “enhanced homosexuality” includes homosexuality with anyone under the age of 18 or when the perpetrator is HIV positive.

People with rainbow flags take part in the Gay Pride march in Entebbe on August 8, 2015 (Photo: AFP)

It also creates new transgressions that will further crack down on any activism for LGBTQ+ rights that supporters say threatens traditional values ​​in the conservative and religious nation.

Standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people or providing financial support to organizations that do so can be punished with up to 20 years in prison.

The law also criminalizes any person who fails to report to the police anyone they suspect of being involved in same-sex acts, which would require a fine or six months in jail.

This is in fact aimed at families or friends of LGBTQ+ people who do not report their loved ones.

Bubulo MP John Musira wears anti-gay dress and gestures as he leaves chambers during debate on the anti-homosexuality law, which proposes harsh new penalties for same-sex relationships, at a meeting at the Houses of Parliament in Kampala, Uganda March 21, 2023. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa

Bubulo MP John Musira wore an anti-gay dress (Photo: Reuters)

Our Creator God is happy [about] What is wrong. I support the bill to protect our children’s future,” lawmaker David Bahati said during a debate on the bill.

“This is about the sovereignty of our nation. No one can blackmail us, no one can intimidate us.”

The law will be submitted to President Yoweri Museveni for signature.

Frank Mugisha, a prominent Ugandan LGBTQ+ activist, condemned the legislation as “very extreme and draconian”.

It is a criminal offense to be LGBTQ+. They are also trying to wipe out the very existence of every LGBTQ+ Ugandan,” he warned.

President Museveni has not commented on the current proposal, but he has long spoken out against LGBTQ+ rights.

But in 2013, he signed an anti-LGBTQ bill that was widely condemned by Western countries before being overturned on procedural grounds by a national court.

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