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Biden threatens sanctions after Uganda passes one of world’s most extreme anti-gay laws

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – In a move that has caused US President Joe Biden to threaten sanctions against the country, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Monday signed one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBT laws, providing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” involving the transmission of deadly diseases like AIDS, carrying a 20-year prison sentence for “promoting” homosexuality, and criminalizing mere identification as LGBTQ, Axios reports. Same-sex relations were already banned in Uganda.

Calling for an “immediate repeal” of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act, President Biden on Monday said he may impose sanctions and other penalties on Uganda, including the possibility of restricted entry to the US if the legislation remains in place, Axios reports.

“This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda,” Biden said in a statement. “The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including US government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others.”

Biden added that he has instructed his National Security Council “to evaluate the implications” of the law “on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda,” including whether the US will continue to deliver its Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and types of assistance and investments.

Moreover, Biden said: “[…] we are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption.”