Ugandan president defies Obama, signs controversial anti-gay bill into law

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday in Entebbe signed into law the controversial anti-gay bill, which stipulates harsh penalties for homosexual offences.
Museveni signed the bill into law before government officials, scientists and journalists at the State House in Entebbe.
Museveni said he signed the bill basing on the fact that there was no scientific proof yet that people are homosexuals by genetics.
He said those guilty of homosexual acts would be jailed up to 14 years under the new law, a sentence that increases to life in aggravated cases.
Museveni said the aggravated cases are such as those committed by a HIV positive person or those involving minors, the disabled and serious offenders.
The signing of the bill has attracted international condemnation, especially from the US.
This has been more so from President Barack Obama of the United States of America.
Obama had warned Museveni of dire consequences should the bill become law.
There are fears that the signing of the bill may force several western countries to withdraw aid to the East African country.
Xinhua/NAN.