On April 3, Uganda's constitutional court refused to annul or suspend an anti-LGBTQ+ law that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, Reuters reported. However, the judicial body voided some provisions that it said were inconsistent with certain fundamental human rights.
"We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, [nor] will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement," said lead judge Richard Buteera, reading the judgment. However, the court struck down certain sections it said were "inconsistent with right to health, privacy and freedom of religion." The parts of the act that were voided had criminalized the leasing of premises for use for same-sex acts and the failure to report those acts.
The measure, adopted in May 2023, is among the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Many rights organizations and Western nations have condemned it.
During a briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the court's ruling, per The Washington Blade.
"The announcement that some provisions of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act have been removed by the Constitutional Court is a small and insufficient step towards safeguarding human rights," Jean-Pierre said.
She added, "The United States is deeply concerned about the remaining provisions which undermine public health, human rights and Uganda's international reputation."
Andrew Davis