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EU parliament denounces Uganda anti-gay bill / Photo: © AFP
EU parliament denounces Uganda anti-gay bill
The European Parliament voted to condemn Uganda's anti-LGBTQ bill Thursday and urged the European Union to find a way to pressure President Yoweri Museveni into not implementing it.
The resolution, passed by 416 votes to 62 with 38 abstentions, does not oblige Brussels to take any action but will increase pressure on the EU executive to respond with sanctions.
"The resolution deplores President Museveni's contribution to the hateful rhetoric about LGBTIQ persons, adding that EU-Uganda relations will be at stake should the President sign the bill," a statement said.
MEPs urged the European Commission to "use all necessary diplomatic, legal and financial means to convince the president to not sign the law."
And they urged the European Union to "establish an EU strategy for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality and transgender identity".
Museveni summoned Ugandan ruling party lawmakers to a meeting Thursday to discuss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, which calls for harsh penalties for anyone who engages in same-sex activity.
The long-serving leader's assent is required for it to become law and he has faced widespread calls to reject what has been criticised as among the world's harshest anti-gay legislation.
M. Taylor--BTZ
