Washington, DC — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement regarding Uganda’s decision to uphold the draconianAnti-Homosexuality Act, which restricts the rights of LGBTQ+ Ugandans to engage in public life or advocacy efforts. 

“I am deeply disappointed by the Constitutional Court of Uganda’s decision to uphold the Anti-Homosexuality Act. This law is a grave violation of human rights and a stark reminder of the challenges that LGBTQ+ Ugandans continue to face. Such legislation not only legalizes discrimination but also emboldens those who seek to harm and marginalize on the basis of sexual orientation. Though four provisions were struck down, those that remainpose a serious threat to the lives and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Ugandans, including the death penalty for some same-sex sexual relationships and criminalization of the “promotion of homosexuality”.The law as it stands after the court’s decision jeopardizes the public health and economic prosperity of all Ugandans. I stand in unwavering solidarity with Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community and their alliescommitted to supporting their fight against this oppressive law and advocating for equality and human dignity worldwide.” 

###