Ugandan court upholds harsh anti-LGBTQ law

STORY: Uganda's constitutional court on Wednesday (April 3) upheld one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ laws in the world.

However, it struck down certain provisions it said were inconsistent with fundamental human rights.

Under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, citizens had an obligation to report anyone they suspected of engaging in homosexuality.

The court found that this requirement violated individual rights.

Petition Lawyer, Nicholas Opiyo.

"The court today decided that it is legal and lawful to discriminate against LGBTI people. The court today decided that it is legal to exclude the LGBTI community from participating in the affairs of their country, simply on the basis of public sentiments and alleged cultural values. I think that it is sad that the court could play to public sentiments and not apply the law. To that extent, I think the court is wrong."

The legislation, adopted in May last year, is among the world's harshest anti-gay laws.

It imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations, and it contains provisions that make so-called "aggravated homosexuality" an offense punishable by death.

Activists say the law has unleashed a torrent of abuse against LGBTQ people, including torture, rape, arrest and eviction.

Activist Eric Ndawula.

"The ruling today was disappointing for sure but it does not make us lose hope. It actually puts us in more energy to ensure that we actually go to the supreme court to be able to appeal on what has happened today, because what happened today is an injustice."

The legislation has been condemned by rights campaigners and the country received sanctions from Western nations.

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.