GAY RIGHTS

Uganda Dismisses Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Until next parliamentary meeting.

Uganda's parliament has shelved a controversial anti-homosexuality bill after it was criticized by countries around the globe. The bill aimed to impose the death penalty for “the offense of homosexuality,” and required Ugandans to notify the government whenever they witnessed homosexual activity. Religious leaders argued they had more than two million signatures supporting the bill, which was being considered for 18 months until it was added to the parliament's agenda for debate last week. But the meeting was dominated by talks about protests that prevented the inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni. Some lawmakers say that the opportunity to pass the bill has come and gone, though it could potentially be reintroduced by others who insist that homosexuality is not tolerated by a majority of Ugandans.