By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill has earlier on Thursday 9th March, 2023, been tabled on the floor of parliament for the first reading.
The Bill was tabled by the opposition MP Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, JEEMA president also the Bugiri municipality legislator along with the certificate of Financial Implication which was issued by the minister of finance Hon.Matia Kasaija.
Before tabling of the bill, the speaker of parliament Rt. Hon. Annet Anitah Amongi Magog informed the House that the Ministry of Finance issued the Certificate of Financial Implication (CFI) for the proposed Bill.
Earlier reports indicated that the ministry of finance had failed to issue CFI certificate to the Anti-Homosexuality bill which attracted public debates on the government’s position reading homosexuality.
But, Hon. Basalirwa says the reason the bill was rejected the first time was a matter of quorum.
He has asked the MPs to make public commitment regarding the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill
“Honourable members, I request you to make public commitments in form of messages and videos showing your positions against or in support of the Bill,” he said
Speaker Anitah Among has dismissed threats that Legislators who will support the Anti-Homosexuality Bill may be denied Visa’s for some of the developed countries. She encouraged the Members not to get intimidated over their respective position on the proposed.
This followed submission by the Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua dismissing allegations that the Government is under pressure over the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
The Bill is referred to the Committee of legal and Parliamentary Affairs and directed to ensure there is sufficient public hearing of the bill.
Speaker Among has however guided that the committee considers and consults all stakeholders including gays and the gay movements, religious and traditional institutions to mention but a few in the hearing processes.
