Renowned UK-based Ugandan LGBT+ activist Peter Tatchell has formally requested a ban on entry for Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Among, citing her support for a new Ugandan law that imposes severe penalties, including execution, for certain consensual same-sex acts.
Tatchell made this plea during a meeting with House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle at Parliament on Wednesday.
Following Tatchell’s concerns, Speaker Hoyle has committed to advocating for a ban on Among’s entry to the UK, emphasizing that her presence would undermine public order, community harmony, and the overall welfare of the nation.
Tatchell expressed gratitude to Speaker Hoyle for acknowledging these concerns and taking steps to prevent the attendance of a politician who endorses violence against LGBT+ individuals in the UK.
Sir Lindsay is currently in the process of arranging a meeting with Home Secretary James Cleverly to formally present the case for denying Anita Among entry, particularly for UK events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth in March 2024.
“I thank Sir Lindsay for hearing our concerns and agreeing to take action to ensure that this odious politician, who advocates the killing of LGBT+ people, is not welcome in Parliament – or anywhere in the UK,” said Tatchell.
Tatchell further urged Speaker Hoyle to rescind Among’s invitation to Commonwealth Parliament Speakers’ gathering at the House of Commons next month, underscoring Among’s central role in the enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) 2023.
The AHA has contributed to a climate of fear and persecution in Uganda, leading to various forms of violence, discrimination, and denial of basic rights for individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Among’s presence in the UK would send a terrible signal that Britain tolerates the extreme homophobia of those who advocate the killing of LGBT+ people. There should be no facilitation of, and collusion with, a politician who has blood on her hands,” Tatchell emphasized.
Despite these developments, Speaker Among has previously stated her resolve not to be swayed by foreign pressure, asserting her comfort in Uganda as long as her home district remains visa-free.
As of the time of reporting, Speaker Among’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the UK’s latest actions.
In related news, in 2023, Ugandan human rights activists, along with MP Fox Odoi, challenged the constitutionality of the new law in the Constitutional Court, with a judgment expected imminently.
