Potential Victory in Uganda
Earlier this year, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a harsh homophobic law entitled the ‘Anti-Homosexuality Act’ that placed the lives of LGBT citizens, their families and their friends in serious danger. The law called for life imprisonment for homosexuals, and legally forced family members and friends to report any known LGBT people to the authorities.
John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, compared the law to the anti-Semitic legislation enforced in Nazi Germany.
Needless to say, the situation caught the attention of international media, and has rightfully been met with extreme criticism. Western activists, public figures and politicians have spoken publicly against the draconian law, but, despite their dedication, there has been little cause for optimism.
However, things are starting to look up, and the majority of credit must be given to the incredibly brave Ugandan activists who have been fighting this homophobic law since the beginning.
As well as the obvious argument that homophobia, particularly when executed in a formal and systemic manner, violates a variety of human rights, this law may in fact be invalid.
Apparently, the legislation was passed into parliament without the necessary quorum of politicians weighing in, which is clearly and obviously undemocratic. After appealing tirelessly on moral grounds of respect for human rights and equality, this technicality could be an ‘in’ for campaigners.
Ugandan judges are expected to make a ruling on the law this Friday. Frank Mugisha – head of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) – is expecting a ‘very good judgement’ tomorrow. He states: ‘if we get that judgment then it's over – and we just have to celebrate.’
As much as I agree that LGBT Ugandans may soon have a very good cause to celebrate, I disagree that the struggle is over. A number of countries around the world still enforce similar laws, several calling for the legal execution of homosexuals, and so the worldwide fight for equality continues. It is with this knowledge that I say: the struggle continues until every LGBT person is equal under the law.
Note:
On Friday 1st August 2014, the specific law addressed in this article was struck down. Despite this, homosexuality remains illegal in Uganda under colonial-era laws. Expect an article next week providing updated details on the current legal situation.