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Uganda activists challenge anti-homosexuality law in Constitutional Court – JURIST

Ugandan LGBTQIA+ activists filed a lawsuit Monday in the country’s Constitutional Court to examine the constitutionality of the Anti-Homosecuality Act, signed by the country’s president earlier this year, that restricts the rights of LGBTIA+ individuals and imposes harsh penalties, including execution, for certain same-sex acts. A panel of five judges, led by Judge Richard Buteera, has commenced hearings on the matter, soliciting written submissions from both parties. Nicholas Opiyo, the lawyer representing the applicants, expressed hope the court would rule fairly. He also stated, “The court has an opportunity to decide whether the constitution of Uganda affords all Ugandans, including LGBTQI+ individuals, equal protection under the law.”The law has been met with condemnation globally, with LGBTQIA+ organizations criticizing the EU for its continued financial support of Uganda after the ratification of the Act and the UK and US heavily criticizing the it.Uganda’s legislature has defended the law, with The Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament Anita Annet Among stating, “As Parliament of Uganda, we have heeded the concerns [of] our people and legislated to protect the sanctity of family.”According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), across the African continent, only 22 of 54 countries have legalized homosexuality. Mauritania and Somalia allow the death penalty for same-sex sexual acts.