March 12, 2014
Uganda Police Arrest Same-Sex Couple in Hotel Under Anti-Gay Law
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Two Ugandan gay men were arrested this week after they were caught having sex in a hotel, the Nigerian website Ynajia.com reports.
The arrest comes just weeks after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a highly controversial bill into law that effectively bans homosexuality and gay sex.
According to Ynajia, reports say, "sexual moans were heard about 20 minutes after them men had checked into the room they had booked at the hotel." The hotel attendant, who reportedly heard the men, notified police and the couple was soon arrested.
TrendingNewsroom.com reports this is the first time someone has been arrested under Uganda's new anti-gay law, which Museveni approved on Feb. 24. First time offenders can be sentenced up to 14 years in jail while those found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" can be sentenced to life. "Aggravated homosexuality" is defined as repeated gay sex between consenting adults as well as acts involving a minor, a disabled person or someone infected with HIV, the Associated Press reported.
The New Civil Rights Movement points to reports that several LGBT people from Uganda have been evicted from their homes because of their sexuality. The blog Sebaspace posted two evictions by posting scans of notices. The first letter, dated March 3, reads:
"You have been a wonderful woman as well as a tenant who hasn't given me any trouble over rent whatsoever. But due to what is going on in the country [regarding the anti-gay law] and your way you and your friends behave, I am sorry but I think you are a depraved person who I can no longer tolerate in my house. I also cannot fight against the government. For that reason, I want you out of my house by March 30, 2014, peacefully."
The second letter says:
"I am writing to inform you that you have been evicted from the house you live in because of the stories [about your gay lifestyle] that appeared on Bukedde Television and in the print media. We can no longer live with someone like you. Therefore, vacate the premises before the 5th of May 2014"
The NCRM also notes that LGBT activists Scott Long and Kasha Jacqueline posted to the Sebaspace blog as well.
