In this letter, Human Rights Watch addresses the damaging effects of criminalizing homosexuality as well as discriminatory abstinence-only programming in Uganda. The letter points out the unassailable evidence that abstinence-only programs deny young people accurate information on HIV transmission and on sexual health and intrinsically discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Particularly in the context of a legal ban in place against gay or lesbian relationships, the programs promote only permanent abstinence and are uniformly silent about safer sexual practices. The letter connects these policies with devastating health impacts in the context of the HIV pandemic.
The Center for HIV Law and Policy challenges barriers to the rights and health of people affected by HIV through legal advocacy, high-impact policy initiatives, and creation of cross-issue partnerships, networks, and resources. We support movement building that amplifies the power of individuals and communities to mobilize for change that is rooted in racial, gender, and economic justice.