President Of Uganda Label Gay People – “Deviants” As Anti-LGBT Bill Develops

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on Thursday called for an investigation into homosexuality and termed homosexuals “deviants” as lawmakers in the conservative East African country prepared to vote on an anti-LGBT measure.

Human rights organizations have criticized the law, which was introduced earlier this month and calls for severe new punishments for same-sex relationships in a nation where homosexuality is already prohibited.

Museveni, who has been in power in Uganda since 1986, termed homosexuals “deviants” during a speech to lawmakers during a state of the nation address as MPs pressed him for a response to the new law.

The homosexuals are deviations from normal. Why? Is it by nature or nurture? We need to answer these questions,” the 78-year-old said.

“We need a medical opinion on that. We shall discuss it thoroughly.”

Anyone who engages in same-sex conduct or who self-identifies as LGBTQ could spend up to 10 years in prison under the proposed law.

The measure is being introduced as rumors on Ugandan social media alleging covert international powers of encouraging homosexuality gain traction.

“Western countries should stop wasting the time of humanity by trying to impose their practices on other people,” Museveni said in an address boycotted by all but one opposition legislator.

“Europeans and other groups marry cousins and near relatives. Here, marrying in one’s clan is taboo. Should we impose sanctions on them for marrying relatives? This is not our job,” he added.

The law is scheduled for discussion next week, and a vote could happen as soon as Tuesday.

Uganda is well known for its stringent Christian views on sexuality in general and its rejection of homosexuality, which is illegal under legislation from the colonial era.

Nonetheless, since the country’s 1962 separation from the United Kingdom, there has never been a conviction for consenting to same-sex behavior.

An ordinance mandating life in jail for those found engaging in gay sex was passed by Ugandan MPs in 2014.

The rule was later overturned by a court on a technicality, but not before it had provoked a widespread outcry and several Western countries had responded by withholding or rerouting millions of dollars in aid.

To protest human rights abuses, including the unlawful imprisonment and forced disappearance of their followers, opposition politicians abstained from Thursday’s speech.

Those opposed to Museveni’s authority have been the target of several crackdowns in Uganda.

Attacks on journalists, legal troubles, charges against election monitors, internet censorship, and the silencing of opposition figures have all occurred.