Members of Parliament in the African nation of Uganda have proposed legislation with tougher penalties for same-sex relationships.
Dozens of African nations already ban homosexual relationships, but a bill passed by Uganda’s Parliament on Tuesday could be the first to outlaw identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, according to Human Rights Watch.
CNN reports that the bill allows for the death penalty for cases involving homosexual sex acts committed without consent or under duress, against children, people with mental or physical disabilities, by a “serial offender,” or involving incest.
The bill passed nearly unanimously, with legislators saying it is needed to protect traditional values in Uganda.
“Our creator God is happy [about] what is happening…I support the bill to protect the future of our children,” Ugandan legislator David Bahati said, according to Al Jazeera.
Another member of Parliament, John Musira, was photographed with a white gown with the text, “Say No to Homosexuality, Lesbianism, Gay. Down with Babylon, Up with Hope.”
The bill has wide public support in Uganda and will be sent to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to be signed into law.
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