Uganda approves life sentences for gays

Uganda's parliament has passed a bill to toughen the punishment for homosexual acts to include life imprisonment.

The anti-homosexuality bill also makes it a crime punishable by a prison sentence not to report gay people.

The prime minister opposed the vote, saying not enough MPs were present.

Ugandan MPs and deputies voted overwhelmingly in favour of the text, which has been widely condemned by rights activists and Western leaders -- with US President Barack Obama describing it as "odious".

"This is a victory for Uganda. I am glad the parliament has voted against evil," Mr David Bahati lawmaker behind the bill said.

"Because we are a God-fearing nation, we value life in a holistic way. It is because of those values that members of parliament passed this bill regardless of what the outside world thinks," he added.

First proposed in 2009, the bill had been approved into law following international condemnation.
The BBC's Catherine Byaruhanga in Kampala says the government knows there will be an international outcry, which could see some countries suspend aid to the country.

She says that Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi might follow up on his complaints about a lack of quorum, while it remains to be seen whether President Yoweri Museveni will sign the bill into law.

The private member's bill originally proposed the death penalty for some offences, such as if a minor was involved or the perpetrator was HIV-positive, but this has been replaced with life in prison.

Is this a bit too harsh on homosexuals? Do you agree with the bill? What is your opinion on this new bill? Please leave a comment to make your voice heard.