U.N. Urges Uganda to Repeal anti-Gay Law

The U.N. chief called on Uganda Tuesday to repeal a tough new law imposing life terms on homosexuals, warning it could fan violence and impede responses to HIV and AIDS.

Ban Ki-moon "urges the government to protect all persons from violence and discrimination," his spokesman said.

He added that Ban "hopes that the law can be revised or repealed at the earliest opportunity."

The U.N. chief believes that life terms "could fuel prejudice as well as encourage harassment and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons," a statement added.

"It may also obstruct effective responses to HIV/AIDS."

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday signed off on the controversial law that will see homosexuals jailed for life, shrugging off warnings from key international allies and donors.

The signing of the law, which also outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce gays, came despite fierce criticism from U.S. President Barack Obama and a warning that ties between Kampala and Washington would be damaged.

The U.N. secretary general's concerns were conveyed to Uganda's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York on Monday, Ban's spokesman said.