Zimpapers Logo

KAMPALA. — Ugandan state lawyers sought yesterday to dismiss a petition by activists at the constitutional court seeking to overturn tough anti-gay laws that have been condemned by rights groups as draconian.
Signed by Uganda’s veteran President Yoweri Museveni in February, the law calls for homosexuals to be jailed for life, outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and obliges Ugandans to denounce gays to the authorities.

But the activists argue that the law was passed in parliament without the necessary quorum of lawmakers, and said they were confident in their case.
“We are saying there is no evidence about the quorum,” state attorney Patricia Mutesa told the court in the capital Kampala, the second day of the hearing.

The 10 petitioners, including two Ugandan rights organisations also claim that the law violates the constitutional right to privacy and dignity, as well as the right to be free from discrimination, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

Judges adjourned the hearing until today, when they are expected to rule on the quorum issue. — AFP.