The White House Threatens To Pull Assistance To Uganda After Parliament Imposes World Strictest Anti-Gay Bill

The White House Threatens To Pull Assistance To Uganda After Parliament Imposes World Strictest Anti-Gay Bill

The White House isn’t here for Uganda’s proposed laws against homosexuality.

According to reports, The White House has warned Uganda that the passing of a new bill against the LGBTQ+ community could cause President Joe Biden’s administration to close off United States aid to the East African country.

President Joe Biden

If you don’t know, Uganda has been very steadfast in its fight against same-sex relationships, as they are already 1 of the 30 countries in Africa that bans the controversial act.

The nation’s most recent stipulations, which met Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday (Mar. 21), are seeking to strengthen the punishment placed upon homosexuals and up its 10-year prison sentence for “gay offenses” to the death penalty.

Termed “aggravated homosexuality,” participants of same-sex interactions could face life behind bars, and merely the attempt of such activities grants up to 14 years alone. The crime includes the prohibition of same-sex relations with minors or disabled people and HIV sufferers. Additionally, any “promotion” of gay rights in the media is said to be outlawed and could result in serious jail time, as it (seemingly) threatens the country’s conservative traditions.

Musa Ecweru, a member of Uganda’s Parliament

Reportedly, the United States is responsible for more than $950 million of Uganda’s economic help each year.

When speaking of President Joe Biden’s stance on the matter, John Kirby, of the National Security Council, said,

“That would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance we provide Uganda is health assistance. Hopefully, [the legislation] won’t pass and we won’t have to do anything.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added to that by expressing her concerns for the humanity of those a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“If the [bill] is signed into law and enacted, it would infringe on universal human rights, jeopardize progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, deter tourism and [investment] in Uganda, and damage Uganda’s international reputation.”

She concluded,

“No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love.”

As of now, the bill is still awaiting a signature from Uganda’s leader, President Yoweri Museveni, which lawmakers don’t think will be a hassle considering he has previously supported the country’s anti-gay agenda.

The White House has warned that a Ugandan bill that criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+ might jeopardize US funding to the African country. pic.twitter.com/WZTtPX8JTQ

— theJasmineBRAND (@thejasminebrand) March 23, 2023

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