The World Bank has declared that it will suspend loans to Uganda due to the country's Anti-Homosexuality Act.
"Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values," the global lender stated.
In May, the World Bank Group stated that the law was "inconsistent" with the lender's ideals and that it was "highly concerned" about its implementation.
Human rights activists have extensively criticized the law, that presupposes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," including HIV transmission through gay intercourse, and 20 years in jail for promoting homosexuality.
Reacting to the legislation, which was approved by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the US slapped travel restrictions on officials from that country in June.
Museveni, who has described homosexuality as a psychological condition, has dismissed foreign condemnation of the legislation, which he has defended as essential to prevent the LGBTQ community from attempting to "recruit" individuals.
Recently, Ugandan MP and leader of the opposition Justice Forum (JEEMA) party, Asuman Basalirwa, who introduced the anti-LGBT bill, told Sputnik Africa that the Anti-Homosexuality Act aims to protect the values of Ugandan society.
For instance, the law criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality, which is intended to protect children from its influences.
According to Basalirwa, respect for each other's culture and values is supposed to be essential in international relations.