Uganda president signs anti-homosexuality bill

President Yoweri Museveni’s move, announced Monday, is the latest in a decades-long controversy around homosexuality in the African nation. A United Nations group called the law an “egregious violation of human rights.” Meanwhile, the Church of Uganda said it is “grateful” for the law.

What does the law say? According to a memorandum, the intent is “to protect the traditional family.” Adults who engage in homosexual activity will be punished with life imprisonment. The law prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” such as cases that involve an adult and a minor or disabled person. Those who enable or promote homosexuality can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Identifying as gay is not penalized.

Dig Deeper: Read Jamie Dean’s report from the WORLD archives about the Uganda church’s involvement in anti-homosexuality legislation.