A corporate group, including corporate giants like Google, has said it opposes Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, calling it “a concern for global companies and investors looking to work or invest in the East African country”.
The Open For Business coalition said in a statement on Wednesday that legislation that would carry the death penalty or life imprisonment for some same-sex crimes would hurt Uganda’s economy.
“Diversity and inclusion are among the core principles of our coalition partners in conducting their businesses,” the statement said.
According to the group, if signed by President Yoweri Museveni, the law would “undermine Uganda’s attractiveness as a location for business and investment”.
In addition to Google, the Open For Business coalition includes companies such as Microsoft, MasterCard, HSBC, and Facebook, which owns Meta.
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Last week Uganda’s legislature passed the anti-homosexuality law. The law now rests with Museveni, who can sign it as law or send it back to the Speaker of Parliament with proposed amendments.
The draft law has broad support in Uganda, including among church leaders. It was introduced last month by an opposition lawmaker who said its aim was to punish the “promotion, recruitment and financing” of LGBTQ activity in the country.
Only two of the 389 MPs who attended the voting session opposed the bill.
Museveni, who has publicly called homosexuals “disgusting,” is facing increasing international condemnation of the bill.
The United States, the United Nations and the European Union called on him to block the law. Washington, in particular, has warned of potential economic consequences if the law goes into effect.
The bill provides for the death penalty for the crime of “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for “homosexuality,” raising concerns that those who identify as LGBTQ people could be prosecuted.
Aggravated homosexuality is defined as cases of sexual intercourse involving people living with HIV, as well as minors and other risk groups. Prison sentences of up to 20 years are proposed for those who defend or promote LGBT rights.
Under the bill, a suspect convicted of “attempted serious homosexuality” could be sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the offense of “attempted homosexuality” could be punished with up to 10 years.
