Annulment of anti-gay bill in Uganda a "victory for rule of law"Listen /
The annulment of the anti-homosexuality legislation in Uganda is a victory for the rule of law.
That's according to a statement issued by the Secretary-General through his Spokesperson, welcoming the move.
The Constitutional Court of Uganda decided to annul the law over a lack of quorum when the bill was passed.
It was challenged by 10 petitioners, including civil society, parliamentarians and academics.
Mr Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to all those who contributed to this step forward, particularly the human rights activists in Uganda who spoke out at great personal risk.
UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric has more.
"The Secretary-General reiterates that everybody is entitled to enjoy the same basic human rights and live a life of worth and dignity without discrimination, as affirmed in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Ugandan Constitution and the recent resolution of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, on protection against violence and other human rights violations against persons on the basis of their real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity."
The law drew condemnation from the UN when it was passed in February this year.
It called for a 14-year jail term for first-time offenders and life in prison for so-called "aggravated homosexuality".
The Secretary-General also called for further efforts to decriminalize same-sex relationships and address the dangerous stigma and discrimination that persist in Uganda against lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.