Trudeau calls on Uganda to repeal LGBTQ death-penalty bill

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is asking Uganda to reconsider legislation following the country’s decision to bring in a death penalty targeting individuals within the LGBTQ community.

The legislation in Uganda authorizes the death penalty for the offence of “aggravated homosexuality,” including having sex while being HIV positive, and life imprisonment for “homosexuality,” as well as up to 20 years in jail for promoting LGBTQ rights.

Trudeau says that Ottawa stands against the “despicable” law put forward by the Ugandan government and has asked lawmakers to repeal the bill, known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

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He is also considering to support the LGBTQ community in Uganda, and that all world leaders should condemn the legislation, especially members of the Commonwealth.

The Uganda High Commission in Canada was not available to comment.

Homosexuality is criminalized in over 30 nations in Africa’s 54 countries.

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