SW News: The Ugandan Parliament has passed the anti-homosexual bill, retaining the death penalty and jail sentence. The provisions which cleared the Parliament in March were retained in the current bill after President Yoweri Museveni sought the softening of some of the original legislation.

The current bill retains the provisions that permit the death sentence in cases of what the government calls 'aggravated homosexuality,' which includes having intercourse while HIV-positive. In addition, under the bill, any support for homosexuality is a criminal offense, and individuals can be imprisoned for up to 20 years.

An earlier version of the bill passed in March was sent back to Parliament by Museveni, who suggested certain amendments. The legislation now returns to the President, who can either pass it into law or veto or return it to Parliament. The bill will, however, become a law without the President's assent if he returns it to Parliament for a second time.

According to one amendment, people must report homosexual activity if a child is involved. Failure to do so carries a penalty of 10 million Ugandan shillings ($2687) or five years in prison. Separately, anyone who 'knowingly allow[s] their premises to be used for acts of homosexuality" faces seven years in jail.

The President sent the bill back to the legislature with a request that it drop the requirement to report and add a clause that would help with the "rehabilitation" of persons with homosexual affinity.

Museveni, a vocal opponent of the homosexual agenda, has signaled his intention to sign the bill once the changes are made. Proponents of the bill said the broad legislation is required as adult homosexuals tend to recruit children into homosexuality. Urging parliamentarians to remain steadfast in their commitment, Speaker Anita Among said, "Let's protect Ugandans; let's protect our values, our virtues. The Western world will not come and rule Uganda."

An earlier anti-homosexual law in 2014 similarly drew criticism worldwide and was later overturned by the country's constitutional court. Many international communities denounced the East African nation's strict legislation.