Ugandan president condemned after passing controversial homosexuality law

Campaigners and health campaigners have condemned Uganda's president after he said he would vote in favour of the controversial anti-homosexuality laws.

A medical report prepared by more than a dozen scientists, stated that there is "no gene for homosexuality and it is not a disease but merely an abnormal behaviour ... which has serious public health consequences and should therefore not be tolerated."

Under existing archaic laws in Uganda, anyone found guilty of "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" can face life imprisonment. The new bill represents a broadening of penalties as it also bans the promotion of homosexuality and enables life sentences for various same-sex acts, including touching in public.

After parliament passed the anti-gay law late last year, activists activists had a glimmer of hope that President Yoweri Museveni would veto it, but the president's latest stand has quashed any hopes.

A spokesperson for the president said Museveni would sign the bill since the question of whether can be born a homosexual or not had not been answered. Moreover, he wanted his governing National Resistance Movement (NRM) to reach what he called a "scientifically correct" position on homosexuality.

"The president emphasised that promoters, exhibitionists and those who practise homosexuality for mercenary reasons will not be tolerated and will therefore be dealt with harshly," the president's spokesperson said.

Ofwono Opondo, a government spokesman, welcomed the president's announcement, saying it would protect Ugandans from "social deviants." Opondo's comments were met with widespread condemnation, but the combating government spokesman said the anti-gay laws can only be repealed they are challenged in the law courts.