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Julius Malema’s party condemns Uganda’s harsh anti-homosexuality bill


South Africa’s opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has condemned a harsh bill that was passed by the Ugandan Parliament seeking to prohibit homosexuality in the country.

Julius Malema-led party further said it will continue to associate itself with the LGBTQI community.

“The EFF will without shame continue to associate itself with the LGBTQI+ community, as we will always be opposed to the criminalizing of people because of their sexual identity,” the party said in a statement.

The statement signed by the party’s national spokesperson, said the bill is a massive step backwards for Africa and a gross violation of human rights.

Also read: MP Mohammed Ali quotes Quran and Bible as he condemns LGBTQ campaign

“The stigma and hatred towards the LGBTQI+ community not only in Africa but across the world, infringes on the rights of individuals to identify as they see fit and express their sexuality without fear of persecution.”

The party further termed the bill completely irrational, as it is based on homophobic and baseless rhetoric which collates sexual crimes with queer identity.

EFF has urged President Yoweri Museveni not to sign the controversial bill that was unanimously adopted by the Parliament.

They have asked the President Museveni to instead embark on a massive programme of education on sexuality, gender identity and on the rights of people to freely express themselves and associate with whomever they please.

Also read: US may halt HIV/AIDS funding to Uganda over controversial anti-gay bill

“The harmful rhetoric and propaganda that is pervasive in Africa against the LGBTQl+ community is baseless and illogical, as crimes committed by all sexes and genders of society are without justification, attributed to the community.”

If the President Museveni signs the bill, anyone who will be involved with homosexuality in the country will be sentenced to a jail term of 10 years.

The Bill has also been opposed by the US government through its Secretary of State Mr Antony Blinken who said the Bill will undermine the fundamental human rights of all Ugandans, and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The UN has also slammed the controversial Bill and asked President Museveni not to sign it into law.

Also read: Muhoozi asks LGBTQ sympathizers to happily leave Uganda