US President Joe Biden has slammed Uganda's draconian new law against homosexuality as a grave human rights violation and threatened to cut aid and investment in the east African country.
He called for the immediate repeal of the tough new measures, which state among other things that "engaging in acts of homosexuality" in Uganda would be an offence punishable with life imprisonment.
The bill was signed into law by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni yesterday, sparking international condemnation.
The new law does not criminalise those who identify as LGBTQ but still prescribes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people.
A suspect convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be jailed for up to 14 years, according to the legislation.
"The enactment of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights," Mr Biden said in a statement.
"No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination," President Biden said. "It is wrong."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered his own condemnation, saying the United States was "deeply troubled" by the law's passage.
"Uganda's failure to safeguard the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is part of a broader degradation of human rights protections that puts Ugandan citizens at risk," Mr Blinken said in a statement.
President Biden said he had asked his National Security Council to assess what the law means for "all aspects of US engagement with Uganda," including services providing AIDS relief, and other assistance and investments.
He said the administration would also consider slapping sanctions on Uganda and restricting the entry into the United States of people engaging in human rights abuses or corruption there.
Mr Blinken reiterated the possibility of visa restrictions and said the State Department would "develop mechanisms to support the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Uganda and to promote accountability for Ugandan officials" involved in human rights abuses.
The British government has also condemned the new anti-gay legislation, calling it "appalling" and "deeply discriminatory".
International development minister Andrew Mitchell said: "Democracy depends on the guarantee of equal rights under law and freedom from discrimination for everyone in society.
"This legislation undermines the protections and freedoms of all Ugandans enshrined in the Ugandan constitution.
"It will increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/AIDS, and will damage Uganda's international reputation."
Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Mr Mitchell said: "Everyone is entitled to human rights and freedoms, without distinction of any kind.
"The recognition of these inherent rights has been hard-won by citizens across the globe.
"The strongest, safest and most prosperous societies are those in which everyone can live freely, without fear of violence or discrimination, and where all citizens are treated fairly and can play a full and active part in society.
"The UK is firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances."
Mr Mitchell said the UK will "continue to stand up for these rights and freedoms in Uganda and around the world".
Additional reporting PA
