41-Year-Old Man and 20s Man in Sexual Relationship... Facing Death Penalty in Uganda for 'Malicious Homosexuality'

First Enforcement of Anti-Homosexuality Law Since Its May Implementation
HIV and Minors Targeted, Homosexuality Defined as 'Malicious'

A man in his 20s in East Africa's Uganda, which faced international criticism for introducing laws penalizing homosexuality, has been charged with an offense punishable by death.

According to African news outlets on the 28th (local time), the Ugandan prosecution charged a 20-year-old man on the 18th with "aggravated homosexuality."

In May, Ugandan residents holding rainbow flags in response to the passage of the 'Strengthened Punishment Law Amendment for Sexual Minorities' [Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

The accused man is alleged to have had "illegal sexual relations" with a 41-year-old man, but the specific reason for classifying it as aggravated homosexuality was not specified. The suspect is currently detained and awaiting trial.

Previously, four suspects had been charged under Uganda's anti-homosexuality laws, but this is the first time someone has been charged with 'aggravated' homosexuality. The suspect's lawyer stated that if such laws violate the Ugandan constitution, they will challenge them in court.

In May, Uganda enacted the '2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act,' which significantly toughened penalties against sexual minorities, drawing strong criticism from the international community.

This law defines 'aggravated homosexuality' as engaging in homosexual acts with minors, persons with disabilities, or those infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and allows for penalties up to the death sentence.

Additionally, attempted 'aggravated homosexuality' can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, and attempted simple homosexual acts can lead to up to 10 years imprisonment. The law also imposes harsh penalties such as up to 20 years imprisonment for organizing or supporting homosexual gatherings.

Ugandan Parliament Reviewing Bill to Strengthen Punishment for Sexual Minorities
Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News

In March, the Ugandan parliament passed a bill that would punish individuals solely for being identified as sexual minorities. However, amid ongoing international criticism, the severity was moderated and that provision was removed.

Homosexuality is considered a crime and punished in more than 30 of Africa's 54 countries. In African nations, homosexuality is widely perceived not as a sexual orientation but as a misguided culture imported from Western countries such as the United States and Europe.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.