Uganda and Kenya: The Problem with Anti-homosexuality Laws
By: Atina Yang
Edited by: Kei Sipani
Same-sex has been a topic of debate for decades if not centuries. Within the last twenty years, global governments have inched their way into dismantling the taboo of queer identities and enacting some laws to keep queer people safe.
Just last month, as news media has been tracking the rise in equality, two countries came into the global spotlight. Kenya and Uganda, both countries in Africa, were criticized and praised for two wildly opposing legislations that they recently passed.
Despite gay rights already being illegal in Uganda– to the dismay of many human rights organizations–the country just passed a law that bans the mere self-identification of one’s self as queer.
The punishment for doing so can penalize violators with up to twenty years in jail. This law was voted into existence with only two of an entire four hundred representatives voting against its implementation. After Pres. Yoweri Museveni signed it, it officially became the law of the land. There has been a disturbing amount of support, with religious groups preaching homophobia and the country’s very speaker, Anita Among, claiming that this is what is right for Ugandans.
Kenya, on the other hand, passed a bittersweet law. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to join associations. This is somewhat a win for them, but the lack of legal social protection, say the 14 years of prison to those who violate “rights” and the deeply ingrained cultural beliefs on homosexuality, is still grave concerns that led to numerous and massive protests from the community.
Anti-homosexual laws are made for fear, forcing people to hide their identities that belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Many of them continue to face harassment, body investigation, insults, and denied basic human rights, say healthcare.
Protests to the gay rights activists, however, quoting Frank Mugisha, are risky behaviors and actions since they might face additional and increasing unfair treatments and potential laws that further limit their freedom.
In a broader context, labeling people as criminals simply due to existence is bizarre. The countries, ironically, are the actual antagonists sabotaging human rights and limiting liberty. It is like hating people because you are “not like them.” Although the “gay gene” is still a myth, sexual preference is determined biologically. Genetic information, human hormones, the environment, and many more factors come into play. Discrimination towards people you think is “not normal” is unfair, unethical, and disrespectful. Imagine being humiliated and reminded of your “unconformity” and fearing what other people think of you every day because of your identity that was never a choice but something you are proudly born with, it is safe to say that you will not take it lightly. It is even more heartbreaking to the parents who have given them lives.
In a time where human rights and freedom are emphasized, it is devastating seeing people nowadays still experience discrimination based on their self identification and under government systems that bolster inequality and instill old conservatism. No one gets to decide what is normal. Freedom of sexuality should and already be a right people are naturally born with. Of course, there are a myriad of splendid moments the world creates and enjoys together, yet as long as inequalities still remain, it is our responsibility to take time and make a change.