Uganda: White House warns of potential ‘consequences’ if anti-LGBTQ law goes into effect

The White House on Wednesday warned Uganda of potential economic “consequences” if the law against homosexuality, passed by Parliament, comes into force.

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“We should consider whether or not we have to decide on the consequences, perhaps in economic terms, if this law does in fact pass and come into force,” said John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council.

The implementation of this law is not yet certain – the text must be approved by the president – ​​but Washington “is monitoring this very closely”, insisted Mr. Kirby.

Financial consequences “would be really unfortunate, because a lot of the economic aid we provide is for health”, he added.

Uganda’s parliament voted in a stormy session on Tuesday evening to pass a law that would impose stiff penalties for people in same-sex relationships.

MEPs considerably amended the initial text which provided for up to 10 years in prison for anyone engaging in homosexual acts or claiming to be LGBTQ +, in a country where homosexuality was already illegal.

The UN, the NGO Amnesty International, Washington and London have already asked Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to reject this law.

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