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Independent AfricaUgandan MPs agree to reconsider anti-gay law

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Ugandan MPs agree to reconsider anti-gay law

The anti-gay bill that was approved by parliament a month ago will now be sent back to the house for further review, according to Uganda’s ruling party.

At a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, who is the party chairman, the MPs resolved on “proposals for improvement” to the bill, according to a statement from the caucus chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The bill prescribes life imprisonment for people identifying LGBT and the death penalty for what is referred to as aggravated homosexuality, among other clauses.

It is not yet clear what amendments the president would like to be made to the proposed law.

When legislation is passed by parliament, the president has about a month to sign it, veto it or return it to the MPs for amendment and re-tabling.

On several occasions, President Museveni has said the topic of homosexuality needs more discussion and understanding.

The bill was passed with majority support from across the ruling party and the opposition.

The ruling party dominates parliament – and their position on any legislation always prevails.

Critics have argued that the law promotes homophobia, is against the country’s constitution and that anyone suspected to be LGBT will be affected.

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