President of Uganda signs Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has signed the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law, saying “we are sick of homosexuals exhibiting themselves”.

It was given presidential approval and signed at 1.54pm in Uganda (10.54am GMT) at State House, his official residence.

President Museveni blamed the West in his decision to sign the bill.

“It is our view that we punish exhibitionism, recruiters and homosexual prostitutes,” he said.

“We don’t impose ourselves on Western culture. What is wrong with this then? Why must you show us how you kiss?”

“We are sick of homosexuals exhibiting themselves. All Africans are flabbergasted by this exhibition of sexual conduct.”

He added: “I do not understand why a man can’t be attracted to a beautiful woman and instead be attracted to a fellow man.”

In December last year, Uganda’s Parliament passed legislation to toughen the punishment for same-sex sexual activity, including life imprisonment for ‘repeat offenders’.

President Yoweri Museveni said he would only sign the bill into law if he had proof that gay people are ‘made’ and ‘not born’ into their sexuality.

However, President Museveni signalled that he was ready to sign the draconian bill earlier this month.

US President Barack Obama warned him against doing so.

He said it would “complicate our valued relationship” and will mark a “step backward” for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on the country’s commitment to protect the human rights of its people.”

President Museveni’s renewed determination to sign the bill is an apparent U-turn from last week’s pledge to hold off, pending advice from the US on the ‘science’ of homosexuality.

Over the weekend in South Africa, former archbishop Desmond Tutu criticised President Museveni for supporting the bill, describing it as “evil”.

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