‘State-sponsored homophobia’: Scientists beg leader to reject anti-LGBTQ+ bill

The Anti Homosexuality Bill 2023, which was handed by Ugandan lawmakers in March, is ready to be both signed into regulation or vetoed by the president on Thursday.

Before the invoice was handed nearly unanimously final month, President Museveni referred to as on scientists to ascertain whether or not homosexuality was pure or realized.

Museveni has beforehand referred to as homosexuals “deviations from regular”.

“We cannot say this enough: homosexuality is a normal and natural variation of human sexuality,” the group of scientists state, within the open letter.

“The science on this subject is crystal clear and we call on you [Museveni] in the strongest possible terms to veto the bill in the name of science.

“We can not consider one main scientific organisation — from the World Health Organisation to the World Health Assembly and past — which might argue towards the thought homosexuality will not be regular and pure.”

The letter has been signed by 15 leading scientists around the world, from countries including South Africa, the United States, Canada, the UK, Kenya, and Australia.

The scientists write that genetics play a role in homosexuality, and that the practice cannot be caught like a “frequent chilly”.

Nor can homosexuality be indoctrinated: “Exposure to rainbow flags won’t make a baby homosexual”.

“Sexual orientation will not be restricted to any particular area. It will not be confined by borders drawn on a map. It wants no passport to journey,” the letter adds.

“Indeed, there’s clear proof for identical intercourse relationships in Africa courting again lots of of years.”

Ugandan authorities did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.

‘State-sponsored homophobia’

Same-sex relations are already illegal in Uganda and warrant a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Under the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2023, it would be a crime to even identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Those identifying as LGBTQ+ would face up to 20 years in jail.

Alongside the letter, Professor Glenda Gray, President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, said homosexuality is “not a pernicious western import”.

“If something, it is state-sponsored homophobia thats un-African and towards the ideas of Ubuntu, not homosexuality,” she said.

Dean Hamer, Scientist Emeritus at the US National Institutes of Health, stated: “Homosexuality, like heterosexuality, is a pure variation of the human situation, deeply ingrained and noticed in each society and tradition worldwide throughout historical past”.

“Attempts to eradicate same-sex want won’t solely fail, however will replicate poorly in your fame and the standing of your nation,” he stated.

Andrew Legon, senior campaigner at Avaaz said the president now had the scientific opinion he called for.

“It’s time for the President to shelve this invoice for good — not solely as a result of it is unscientific, however as a result of it is utterly counter to the common human rights embodied within the Ugandan structure,” Lefon said.