Barack Obama warns Uganda over anti-gay bill

Washington, Feb 17: US President Barack Obama on Sunday voiced his "deep disappointment" at Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's plan to enact a legislation that would criminalise homosexuality, warning the move will "complicate" US relations with

and would be a "step backward" for all Ugandans.

The warning came after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Saturday he would sign the bill into law following an explanation by "medical experts" saying "homosexuality is not genetic", Xinhua reported.

"The anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda," Obama said in a statement. "It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda's commitment to protecting the human rights of its people."

People should be treated equally and "should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love," said Obama.

IANS