- Museveni on Monday signed into law the anti-gay bill, which prescribes tougher penalties for ''aggravated homosexuality''.
- The Commission called on governments, regional bodies, and international organisations to denounce the legislation.
Image: FILE
Kenya Human Rights Commission has come out to condemn the move by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to sign the anti-gay bill into law.
In a statement on Monday, KHRC said the legislation violates the basic principles of human rights and undermines the dignity, freedom, and equality of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Uganda.
"We, the undersigned LGBTIQ+ organisations strongly condemn the recent assent of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda by President Yoweri Museveni," the statement read.
"As organisations committed to promoting and safeguarding the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Kenya and beyond, we firmly believe in inclusivity, non-discrimination, and respect for diversity."
KHRC said they stand in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ counterparts in Uganda and affirm that love, identity, and consensual relationships should never be criminalized.
The rights group said Anti-Homosexuality Act is a violation of international human rights standards, principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"It undermines the fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, freedom of expression, association, and protection from discrimination for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression," the statement read.
The Commission called on governments, regional bodies, and international organisations to denounce the legislation and exert diplomatic pressure on Uganda to uphold the principles of human rights.
"We encourage all to use their influence to support repealing the Anti-Homosexuality Act and promote laws and policies that safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression," the statement read.
"We want to assure you that you are not alone. We stand beside you in this challenging time and will continue to advocate for your rights, safety, and well-being."
Museveni on Monday signed into law the anti-gay bill, which prescribes tougher penalties for "aggravated homosexuality".
The new law, one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ laws in the world, makes homosexuality illegal with offenders set to face a 20-year jail sentence.