The White House has warned Uganda of possible economic “repercussions” if a new bill to crack down on homosexual activities become law. President Museveni totally ignored the threats of sunctions from the White House and signed the bill into law. President Museveni, who signed the bill at the State House just outside the capital, Kampala, said it represented a response to Western activists who promoted gay rights in the country.
“This law was provoked by arrogant and careless Western-based groups that are fond of coming into our schools to recruit our young children,” he said in a televised speech shortly after signing the bill on Monday. “Can somebody be homosexual purely by nature without nurture? The answer is: ‘No.’ “
“We would have to take a look at whether or not there might be repercussions that we would have to take, perhaps in an economic way, should this law actually get passed and enacted,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists on Wednesday.
“So, we’ll have to take a look. No decisions. We’re watching this very, very closely. And hopefully, it won’t pass and we won’t have to do anything.”
The bill proposes life sentences for people who identify as gay in Uganda. It also includes the death penalty in certain cases.
It is awaiting a presidential assent before becoming law.
The European Union has also expressed deep concern about the anti-homosexuality bill.
In a statement, it said the criminalisation of homosexuality is contrary to international human rights law.
“The European Union will continue engaging with the Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, are treated equally, with dignity and respect,” it said.
On first conviction for so-called homosexual acts, offenders face a 14-year prison sentence. Subsequent convictions for “aggravated homosexuality,” which include homosexual acts committed by an HIV-positive person, could bring a penalty of life in prison.
Mr. Museveni, a Christian, this month said he would sign the bill, after citing a report from Ugandan medical experts who said homosexuality isn’t “genetic but a social behavior.”
The U.S.-based medical group Infectious Diseases Society of America said on Monday that Mr. Museveni was relying on “outdated and discredited science” to justify his decision to sign the bill.