Uganda's constitutional court on Wednesday refused to annul or suspend an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-uganda-enacts-harsh-anti-lgbtq-law-includes-death-penalty-for-aggravated-homosexuality-597952">anti-LGBTQ law</a> that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, but voided some provisions it said are inconsistent with certain fundamental human rights.

The legislation, adopted in May last year, is among the world's harshest anti-gay laws and has drawn condemnation from rights campaigners and sanctions from Western nations.

Activists say the law has unleashed a torrent of abuse against LGBTQ people, including torture, rape, arrest and eviction.

"We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement," said lead judge Richard Buteera, reading the judgment on behalf of his four colleagues.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russians-rush-to-join-army-seeking-to-avenge-moscow-concert-hall-attack-707226">Russians rush to join army seeking to avenge Moscow concert hall attack</a>

However, the court struck down certain sections it said were "inconsistent with right to health, privacy and freedom of religion".

The portions of the act that were voided criminalised the letting of premises for use for homosexual acts and failure to report homosexual acts.

Under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, citizens had an obligation to report anyone they suspected of engaging in homosexuality. This requirement violated individual rights, the court found.

The government will now have to remove these sections from the law, Edward Ssemambo, a human rights lawyer representing the petitioners, told Reuters.

When the law was enacted in May 2023 the World Bank halted new lending to Uganda and the United States announced visa and travel restrictions against Ugandan officials.

The legislation imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and contains provisions that make "aggravated homosexuality" an offence punishable by death.

It also bans promotion of homosexuality and violations are punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltimore-bridge-collapse-authorities-open-second-temporary-channel-to-ease-traffic-707194">Baltimore bridge collapse: Authorities open second temporary channel to ease traffic</a>

Petitioners against the law include a lawmaker and Frank Mugisha, Uganda's most prominent LGBTQ activist. They asked judges to strike the law down, saying it violated their constitutional rights.

"The judges are supposed to...protect vulnerable groups, but they have rather sided with majority Ugandans to punish minority groups," Mugisha told Reuters.

The petitioners would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, he said.

The ruling is part of a growing anti-gay crackdown across Africa. Ghana passed stringent anti-gay legislation in February, intensifying restrictions on the rights of LGBTQ people.&nbsp;

Uganda's constitutional court on Wednesday refused to annul or suspend an anti-LGBTQ law that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, but voided some provisions it said are inconsistent with certain fundamental human rights.

Uganda's constitutional court on Wednesday refused to annul or suspend an anti-LGBTQ law that includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, but voided some provisions it said are inconsistent with certain fundamental human rights. The legislation, adopted in May last year, is among the world's harshest anti-gay laws and has drawn condemnation from rights campaigners and sanctions from Western nations. Activists say the law has unleashed a torrent of abuse against LGBTQ people, including torture, rape, arrest and eviction. "We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement," said lead judge Richard Buteera, reading the judgment on behalf of his four colleagues. Also Read | Russians rush to join army seeking to avenge Moscow concert hall attack However, the court struck down certain sections it said were "inconsistent with right to health, privacy and freedom of religion". The portions of the act that were voided criminalised the letting of premises for use for homosexual acts and failure to report homosexual acts. Under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, citizens had an obligation to report anyone they suspected of engaging in homosexuality. This requirement violated individual rights, the court found. The government will now have to remove these sections from the law, Edward Ssemambo, a human rights lawyer representing the petitioners, told Reuters. When the law was enacted in May 2023 the World Bank halted new lending to Uganda and the United States announced visa and travel restrictions against Ugandan officials. The legislation imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and contains provisions that make "aggravated homosexuality" an offence punishable by death. It also bans promotion of homosexuality and violations are punishable by up to 20 years in jail. Also Read | Baltimore bridge collapse: Authorities open second temporary channel to ease traffic Petitioners against the law include a lawmaker and Frank Mugisha, Uganda's most prominent LGBTQ activist. They asked judges to strike the law down, saying it violated their constitutional rights. "The judges are supposed to...protect vulnerable groups, but they have rather sided with majority Ugandans to punish minority groups," Mugisha told Reuters. The petitioners would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, he said. The ruling is part of a growing anti-gay crackdown across Africa. Ghana passed stringent anti-gay legislation in February, intensifying restrictions on the rights of LGBTQ people.

Ugandan court upholds harsh anti-LGBTQ law but says some rights infringed

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has made a resolute appeal to the Anglican Church of Uganda to denounce the newly enacted anti-LGBT law in the country. The Archbishop emphasised that Anglicans worldwide should not endorse legislation that contradicts the fundamental Christian principles taught in the Gospel.

<h2>Uganda's anti-LGBT law</h2>

The law, which was approved by President Yoweri Museveni in May, imposes severe penalties for engaging in same-sex relationships.&nbsp;

In Uganda, gay sex is now punishable by life imprisonment. Additionally, "aggravated homosexuality," which includes the transmission of HIV, carries the death penalty.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-to-criminalise-identification-as-lgbtq-introduces-strict-punishments-for-violations-574498">Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence</a>

The introduction of this legislation has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from human rights activists and organizations globally.

<h2>Concerns raised by Archbishop Justin Welby</h2>

Expressing his deep concern, Archbishop Justin Welby wrote a letter to Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, the Primate of Uganda, expressing his "grief and dismay" regarding the stance of the Church.&nbsp;

He emphasised that no province within the Anglican Communion should support such discriminatory laws, as they contradict the resolutions, teachings, and the very essence of the Gospel shared by Anglicans worldwide.

"There is no justification for any province of the Anglican Communion to support such laws: not in our resolutions, not in our teachings, and not in the Gospel we share."

Archbishop Welby acknowledged the historical context of colonial rule in Uganda and reassured that his appeal was not an attempt to impose Western values on the Ugandan Anglican community.&nbsp;

Instead, he emphasised that his intention was to remind "them of the commitments we have made as Anglicans to treat every person with the care and respect they deserve as children of God."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-act-floridas-dont-say-gay-move-to-amplify-further-575136">After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further</a>

<h2>Archbishop Kaziimba's stance</h2>

As per Reuters, the Archbishop had previously expressed gratitude for the anti-gay law's enactment, claiming that homosexuality was being imposed on Uganda by "foreign actors... who disguise themselves as human rights activists".&nbsp;

He argued that such acts went against the religious and cultural beliefs of the Ugandan population.

<h2>Ugandan church and LGBT rights</h2>

The Church of Uganda, which represents approximately 36 per cent of the country's 45 million inhabitants, has been at the forefront of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative group within the Anglican Communion.&nbsp;

In April, GAFCON had even announced a loss of confidence in Archbishop Welby due to his support for the blessing of same-sex unions in churches.&nbsp; 
 
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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has made a resolute appeal to the Anglican Church of Uganda to denounce the newly enacted anti-LGBT law in the country.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has made a resolute appeal to the Anglican Church of Uganda to denounce the newly enacted anti-LGBT law in the country. The Archbishop emphasised that Anglicans worldwide should not endorse legislation that contradicts the fundamental Christian principles taught in the Gospel. Uganda's anti-LGBT law The law, which was approved by President Yoweri Museveni in May, imposes severe penalties for engaging in same-sex relationships. In Uganda, gay sex is now punishable by life imprisonment. Additionally, "aggravated homosexuality," which includes the transmission of HIV, carries the death penalty. Also read | Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence The introduction of this legislation has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from human rights activists and organizations globally. Concerns raised by Archbishop Justin Welby Expressing his deep concern, Archbishop Justin Welby wrote a letter to Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, the Primate of Uganda, expressing his "grief and dismay" regarding the stance of the Church. He emphasised that no province within the Anglican Communion should support such discriminatory laws, as they contradict the resolutions, teachings, and the very essence of the Gospel shared by Anglicans worldwide. "There is no justification for any province of the Anglican Communion to support such laws: not in our resolutions, not in our teachings, and not in the Gospel we share." Archbishop Welby acknowledged the historical context of colonial rule in Uganda and reassured that his appeal was not an attempt to impose Western values on the Ugandan Anglican community. Instead, he emphasised that his intention was to remind "them of the commitments we have made as Anglicans to treat every person with the care and respect they deserve as children of God." Also read | After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further Archbishop Kaziimba's stance As per Reuters, the Archbishop had previously expressed gratitude for the anti-gay law's enactment, claiming that homosexuality was being imposed on Uganda by "foreign actors... who disguise themselves as human rights activists". He argued that such acts went against the religious and cultural beliefs of the Ugandan population. Ugandan church and LGBT rights The Church of Uganda, which represents approximately 36 per cent of the country's 45 million inhabitants, has been at the forefront of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative group within the Anglican Communion. In April, GAFCON had even announced a loss of confidence in Archbishop Welby due to his support for the blessing of same-sex unions in churches. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed what might arguably be one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ bills into law on Monday (May 29). The move also comes amid Western condemnation, international criticism, and potential sanctions against the country by aid donors. While same-sex relations were already illegal in the African nation, the law takes it one step further by including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the new law about?</h2>

The bill, Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which was recently signed into law, was introduced in Uganda’s parliament&nbsp;earlier this year. The death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” includes sex with a minor, people who are HIV positive, and incest.&nbsp;

Additionally, anyone engaging in gay sex, if convicted, could face life imprisonment and a person caught trying to commit same-sex acts could face up to 10 years in prison. The law also stipulates a 20-year sentence for anyone “promoting” homosexuality.&nbsp;

It also calls for what it terms “rehabilitation” for gay offenders which could hint at the widely discredited conversion therapy. Meanwhile, a minor convicted of an offence involving same-sex relations can be imprisoned for not more than three years.&nbsp;

If legal entities, such as media and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are found “knowingly” promoting homosexuality, they will be fined and also face potential suspension.&nbsp;

<h2>Museveni has ‘answered the cries of our people’</h2>

The announcement of the signing of the bill was made by Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among who said Museveni has “answered the cries of our people.” She also took to Twitter and wrote, “I thank His Excellency, the president, for his steadfast action in the interest of Uganda.”

She added, “With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of the country.”&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press has also attributed the rise in anti-gay sentiment in Uganda to news coverage of alleged sodomy cases&nbsp;in boarding schools.&nbsp;One of the cases includes a parent accusing a teacher of abusing her son who is in a prestigious school for boys.&nbsp;

LGBTQ rights activists have called the bill unnecessary considering homosexuality in Uganda has long been illegal in line with a colonial-era law which criminalises sexual activity “against the order of nature.” The violation of this&nbsp;law&nbsp;carries a punishment of life imprisonment.

<h2>International criticism and condemnation&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, the bill’s sponsor Asuman Basalirwa told reporters that the Ugandan Parliament speaker’s visa to the United States was cancelled after the law was signed. This comes after the White House condemned the bill after it was first passed back in March. Amnesty International has described the legislation as “draconian and overly broad.”

On Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Office said it was “appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law,” and called the legislation “a recipe for systematic violations of the rights” of LGBTQ people and others. The European Parliament has also condemned the law with MEPs describing it as “horrific”.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, on Monday, PEPFAR, the US flagship HIV/AIDS programme and leaders of the UNAIDS programme, said that the law will put Uganda’s anti-HIV fight “in grave jeopardy,” and that they were “deeply concerned about the harmful impact” of the legislation on public health.&nbsp;

The statement also noted that the "stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act have already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services"&nbsp;for LGBTQ people, and it will “obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat.”

“Our data shows that this law runs counter to the interests of economic progress and prosperity of all people in Uganda,” said Dominic Arnall, chief executive for Open For Business, a coalition of companies which includes tech giants like Google and Microsoft. He also said that the group was deeply disappointed by the signing of the bill.&nbsp; 
 
US President Joe Biden 
 
After the bill was signed said that the&nbsp;enactment of the anti-LGBTQ law is a "tragic violation of universal human rights". He added, "I join with people around the world - including many in Uganda - in calling for its immediate repeal." Biden&nbsp;also said that they are considering steps like additional sanctions&nbsp;and restriction of entry into the US "against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption".&nbsp;

United Kingdom government&nbsp;'appalled'

The&nbsp;British government said that they were "appalled" at the Ugandan government's new law. Andrew Mitchell, a minister in the foreign office department&nbsp;said it "undermines the protections and freedoms of all Ugandans enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution".&nbsp; 
 
He also went on to describe the law "deeply discriminatory" and said it would "increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/AIDs, and will damage Uganda’s international reputation".&nbsp;

<h2>‘A dark day’ for LGBTQ community in Uganda</h2>

According to media reports, there is fear among Uganda’s LGBTQ community as many have closed down social media accounts and fled homes, while some are even planning to move abroad. Henry Mukiibi, an activist who assists LGBTQ Ugandans, told CNN that he is afraid of people taking the law into their own hands.&nbsp;

“I think this is so so horrible. We didn’t expect this – we thought he would be advised against it. We are going to be tortured. I am just scared now about what is next,” Mukiibi told CNN. He added, “People have been waiting for the bill to be signed and then they will work on us. We are going to die.”&nbsp;

“It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTIQ community, our allies and all of Uganda,” said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist, as per Reuters, after the bill was signed.&nbsp;

Africa's deputy director for Human Rights Watch,&nbsp;Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz,&nbsp;told AFP that the legislation&nbsp;was “discriminatory and is a step in the wrong direction for the protection of human rights for all people in Uganda”.&nbsp;

Homosexuality is criminalised in more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries as some people supposedly view it as a behaviour imported from abroad. There are also fears that this legislation could encourage lawmakers in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania to take similar steps.&nbsp; 
 
After the law was signed, a Kenyan Member of&nbsp;Parliament, George Kaluma,&nbsp;said, "Wow! What a leader we've in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavour to save humanity ... Perversion is treated, not normalized!"&nbsp;

The 78-year-old leader was seen signing the bill at his desk with a golden pen and has previously called homosexuality a “deviation from normal”. He also urged lawmakers to resist “imperialist” pressure amid international condemnation of the bill. Notably, a similar less restrictive anti-LGBTQ law was struck down by a court on procedural grounds.&nbsp;

Rights activists have the option of appealing the legislation before the constitutional court. The 2014 anti-LGBTQ law was also struck down by a domestic court&nbsp;after some countries in the West had taken measures including suspension of aid, imposed visa restrictions and curtailed security cooperation.

The civil society in Uganda, with the LGBTQ community, is ready to take this to the courts and challenge the law, Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent human rights lawyer told CNN. “Because this law is a deeply discriminatory and repressive law that doesn’t meet any international human rights and local standards.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed what might arguably be one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ bills into law on Monday (May 29). The move also comes amid Western condemnation, international criticism, and potential sanctions against the country by aid donors.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed what might arguably be one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ bills into law on Monday (May 29). The move also comes amid Western condemnation, international criticism, and potential sanctions against the country by aid donors. While same-sex relations were already illegal in the African nation, the law takes it one step further by including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”. What is the new law about? The bill, Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which was recently signed into law, was introduced in Uganda’s parliament earlier this year. The death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” includes sex with a minor, people who are HIV positive, and incest. Additionally, anyone engaging in gay sex, if convicted, could face life imprisonment and a person caught trying to commit same-sex acts could face up to 10 years in prison. The law also stipulates a 20-year sentence for anyone “promoting” homosexuality. It also calls for what it terms “rehabilitation” for gay offenders which could hint at the widely discredited conversion therapy. Meanwhile, a minor convicted of an offence involving same-sex relations can be imprisoned for not more than three years. If legal entities, such as media and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are found “knowingly” promoting homosexuality, they will be fined and also face potential suspension. Museveni has ‘answered the cries of our people’ The announcement of the signing of the bill was made by Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among who said Museveni has “answered the cries of our people.” She also took to Twitter and wrote, “I thank His Excellency, the president, for his steadfast action in the interest of Uganda.” She added, “With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of the country.” A report by the Associated Press has also attributed the rise in anti-gay sentiment in Uganda to news coverage of alleged sodomy cases in boarding schools. One of the cases includes a parent accusing a teacher of abusing her son who is in a prestigious school for boys. LGBTQ rights activists have called the bill unnecessary considering homosexuality in Uganda has long been illegal in line with a colonial-era law which criminalises sexual activity “against the order of nature.” The violation of this law carries a punishment of life imprisonment. International criticism and condemnation Notably, the bill’s sponsor Asuman Basalirwa told reporters that the Ugandan Parliament speaker’s visa to the United States was cancelled after the law was signed. This comes after the White House condemned the bill after it was first passed back in March. Amnesty International has described the legislation as “draconian and overly broad.” On Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Office said it was “appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law,” and called the legislation “a recipe for systematic violations of the rights” of LGBTQ people and others. The European Parliament has also condemned the law with MEPs describing it as “horrific”. In a joint statement, on Monday, PEPFAR, the US flagship HIV/AIDS programme and leaders of the UNAIDS programme, said that the law will put Uganda’s anti-HIV fight “in grave jeopardy,” and that they were “deeply concerned about the harmful impact” of the legislation on public health. The statement also noted that the "stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act have already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services" for LGBTQ people, and it will “obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat.” “Our data shows that this law runs counter to the interests of economic progress and prosperity of all people in Uganda,” said Dominic Arnall, chief executive for Open For Business, a coalition of companies which includes tech giants like Google and Microsoft. He also said that the group was deeply disappointed by the signing of the bill. US President Joe Biden After the bill was signed said that the enactment of the anti-LGBTQ law is a "tragic violation of universal human rights". He added, "I join with people around the world - including many in Uganda - in calling for its immediate repeal." Biden also said that they are considering steps like additional sanctions and restriction of entry into the US "against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption". United Kingdom government 'appalled' The British government said that they were "appalled" at the Ugandan government's new law. Andrew Mitchell, a minister in the foreign office department said it "undermines the protections and freedoms of all Ugandans enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution". He also went on to describe the law "deeply discriminatory" and said it would "increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/AIDs, and will damage Uganda’s international reputation". ‘A dark day’ for LGBTQ community in Uganda According to media reports, there is fear among Uganda’s LGBTQ community as many have closed down social media accounts and fled homes, while some are even planning to move abroad. Henry Mukiibi, an activist who assists LGBTQ Ugandans, told CNN that he is afraid of people taking the law into their own hands. “I think this is so so horrible. We didn’t expect this – we thought he would be advised against it. We are going to be tortured. I am just scared now about what is next,” Mukiibi told CNN. He added, “People have been waiting for the bill to be signed and then they will work on us. We are going to die.” “It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTIQ community, our allies and all of Uganda,” said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist, as per Reuters, after the bill was signed. Africa's deputy director for Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, told AFP that the legislation was “discriminatory and is a step in the wrong direction for the protection of human rights for all people in Uganda”. Homosexuality is criminalised in more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries as some people supposedly view it as a behaviour imported from abroad. There are also fears that this legislation could encourage lawmakers in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania to take similar steps. After the law was signed, a Kenyan Member of Parliament, George Kaluma, said, "Wow! What a leader we've in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavour to save humanity ... Perversion is treated, not normalized!" The 78-year-old leader was seen signing the bill at his desk with a golden pen and has previously called homosexuality a “deviation from normal”. He also urged lawmakers to resist “imperialist” pressure amid international condemnation of the bill. Notably, a similar less restrictive anti-LGBTQ law was struck down by a court on procedural grounds. Rights activists have the option of appealing the legislation before the constitutional court. The 2014 anti-LGBTQ law was also struck down by a domestic court after some countries in the West had taken measures including suspension of aid, imposed visa restrictions and curtailed security cooperation. The civil society in Uganda, with the LGBTQ community, is ready to take this to the courts and challenge the law, Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent human rights lawyer told CNN. “Because this law is a deeply discriminatory and repressive law that doesn’t meet any international human rights and local standards.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Uganda enacts harsh anti-LGBTQ law, includes death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality’

A day after Uganda's parliament passed a law to penalise homosexuality, the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took to Twitter and said that the move would undermine human rights of all Ugandans. While Blinken called out Uganda's 'anti-homosexuality act', the Biden administration was also commented on Florida's proposed expansion of ban on teaching young children about sexual orientation and gender identity issues, calling it 'completely, utterly wrong'.

"The Anti-Homosexuality Act passed by the Ugandan Parliament yesterday would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We urge the Ugandan Government to strongly reconsider the implementation of this legislation," Anthony Blinken said.

ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-expresses-concern-over-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-law-warns-african-nation-of-repercussions-574830">US expresses concern over Uganda's anti-homosexuality law, warns African nation of 'repercussions'</a>

The White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that the development in Uganda was concerning and represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world.

But while Uganda remains under spotlight for its anti-homosexuality act, Florida's purported 'don't say gay' bill is also back in the vogue for what critics have defined as state's pandering to the conservatives.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH -&nbsp;Uganda passes most extreme anti-LGBTQ laws, US fumes

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The Florida Department of Education’s new proposal, which would not require legislative approval, would extend the ban through the 12th grade.

The proposal drew swift criticism on Wednesday from Democrats and LGBTQ rights activists, with White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre calling the proposal "completely, utterly, wrong."

<h2>What is Florida's 'Don't say gay' move?</h2>

The proposed rule is the latest move by the administration of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to seek his party’s 2024 nomination for president, to limit or prohibit instruction on topics conservatives consider inappropriate for the state’s classrooms.

Last year, DeSantis signed a Republican-backed measure that banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. Critics denounced what they dubbed the "don’t say gay" bill.

Under the rule, teachers could face disciplinary action if they discuss sexual orientation or gender identity outside of mandated curriculum or health courses that parents have been briefed on and given the option to keep their children out of class for those lessons.

“There is no reason for instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to be part of K-12 public education. Full stop,” DeSantis spokesperson Bryan Griffin tweeted on Wednesday.

The state Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the rule at its April 19 meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A day after Uganda's parliament passed a law to penalise homosexuality, the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took to Twitter and said that the move would undermine human rights of all Ugandans.

A day after Uganda's parliament passed a law to penalise homosexuality, the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took to Twitter and said that the move would undermine human rights of all Ugandans. While Blinken called out Uganda's 'anti-homosexuality act', the Biden administration was also commented on Florida's proposed expansion of ban on teaching young children about sexual orientation and gender identity issues, calling it 'completely, utterly wrong'. "The Anti-Homosexuality Act passed by the Ugandan Parliament yesterday would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We urge the Ugandan Government to strongly reconsider the implementation of this legislation," Anthony Blinken said. ALSO READ - US expresses concern over Uganda's anti-homosexuality law, warns African nation of 'repercussions' The White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that the development in Uganda was concerning and represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. But while Uganda remains under spotlight for its anti-homosexuality act, Florida's purported 'don't say gay' bill is also back in the vogue for what critics have defined as state's pandering to the conservatives. ALSO WATCH - Uganda passes most extreme anti-LGBTQ laws, US fumes × The Florida Department of Education’s new proposal, which would not require legislative approval, would extend the ban through the 12th grade. The proposal drew swift criticism on Wednesday from Democrats and LGBTQ rights activists, with White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre calling the proposal "completely, utterly, wrong." What is Florida's 'Don't say gay' move? The proposed rule is the latest move by the administration of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to seek his party’s 2024 nomination for president, to limit or prohibit instruction on topics conservatives consider inappropriate for the state’s classrooms. Last year, DeSantis signed a Republican-backed measure that banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. Critics denounced what they dubbed the "don’t say gay" bill. Under the rule, teachers could face disciplinary action if they discuss sexual orientation or gender identity outside of mandated curriculum or health courses that parents have been briefed on and given the option to keep their children out of class for those lessons. “There is no reason for instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to be part of K-12 public education. Full stop,” DeSantis spokesperson Bryan Griffin tweeted on Wednesday. The state Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the rule at its April 19 meeting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further