WAS Open Letter: Uganda Should Dismiss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill

OPEN LETTER

[London, United Kingdom] – The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) strongly urges the Government of Uganda to reject the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which seeks to impose harsher penalties for consensual same-sex relations. This legislation flagrantly violates basic human rights and undermines Uganda’s constitutional commitments to dignity, freedom, and equality for all.

WAS stands in firm opposition to any law that criminalises homosexuality, emphasising that such measures are inherently discriminatory and incompatible with international human rights standards. All people, regardless of sexual orientation, have the right to bodily autonomy, security, and freedom of expression.

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24 February 2014

To the President Yoweri Museveni and the Members of the Uganda Parliament:

WAS has learned that political leaders in Uganda are preparing to vote on an Anti-Homosexuality Bill that would increase penalties for citizens convicted of homosexuality acts.

We strongly protest this legislation and any laws prohibiting homosexual acts as they are unquestionably discriminatory in nature and deny a large group of people their basic human rights.

All people, including sexual minorities, are entitled to security of person and freedom of expression. The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995) also guarantees human rights and freedoms and promotes tolerance.

Please immediately take action to dismiss this bill in order to protect important freedoms and demonstrate to your citizens a commitment to tolerance and human rights.

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About WAS

WAS promotes sexual health throughout the lifespan and through the world by developing, promoting and supporting sexology and sexual rights for all. WAS accomplishes this by advocacy actions, networking, facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and experiences and advancing scientifically based sexuality research, sexuality education and clinical sexology, with a multi and trans-disciplinary approach. WAS represents over 100 sexological and sexual health organisations around the world.

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