Back in May of this year, Uganda passed one of the world’s strictest anti-gay laws, calling for life imprisonment for anyone convicted of homosexuality. Because of Uganda’s stance against this lifestyle, the Washington, D.C.-based World Bank has cut funding to Uganda.
World Bank Decision
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the global financial organization stated,
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values. We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality. This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world.
World Leader Comments
Uganda’s U.N. representative, Adonia Ayebare, responded on Twitter. He said,
The values referred to in taking this draconian decision against Uganda are not universal, they are contested.
On a social medial post, President Biden called the new law “shameful.”
African Countries
In 2014, Uganda passed an anti-homosexuality law. Still, the courts struck it down on procedural grounds following outrage in Uganda and from international donors [1]. However, homosexuality is a criminal act in more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries.
Notes:
- ^ {{A new anti-gay law in Uganda calls for life in prison for those who are convicted}} (go back ↩)
