The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Uganda that imposing the controversial law could invite possible economic "repercussions." Speaking to the press, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that if the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is enacted, it would threaten Uganda's fight against HIV-AIDS, and deter tourism, and investment in Uganda.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Uganda outlaws identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for gay sex

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Financial repercussions "would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance that we provide is health assistance," remarked Kirby. He added that Washington was closely watching "real closely" the Uganda LGBT law and that implementation of the law remains a "big if."

Uganda on Tuesday passed legislation making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ. The legislation's implementation&nbsp;is pending final approval by the country's President Yoweri Museveni.

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 bill is one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world. Human rights are universal. No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love," said White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre.

The new law targets gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laws-criminalising-lgbt-people-are-sin-pope-francis-559004">Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis</a>

In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, there exists a ban on same-sex relations. However, as per Human Rights Watch, the Ugandan law appears to be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ).&nbsp;

Those in violation of the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act risk severe punishments, including death penalty and life in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world.

The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Uganda that imposing the controversial law could invite possible economic "repercussions." Speaking to the press, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that if the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is enacted, it would threaten Uganda's fight against HIV-AIDS, and deter tourism, and investment in Uganda. Watch | Uganda outlaws identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for gay sex Financial repercussions "would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance that we provide is health assistance," remarked Kirby. He added that Washington was closely watching "real closely" the Uganda LGBT law and that implementation of the law remains a "big if." Uganda on Tuesday passed legislation making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ. The legislation's implementation is pending final approval by the country's President Yoweri Museveni. Also read | Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence "The bill is one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world. Human rights are universal. No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love," said White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre. The new law targets gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. Also read | Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, there exists a ban on same-sex relations. However, as per Human Rights Watch, the Ugandan law appears to be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). Those in violation of the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act risk severe punishments, including death penalty and life in prison. (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.

US expresses concern over Uganda's anti-homosexuality law, warns African nation of 'repercussions'

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US expresses concern over Uganda's anti-homosexuality law, warns African nation of 'repercussions'