Gay rights were all but eviscerated in Uganda today. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni officially criminalized homosexuality will the signing of the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill, also referred to in some circles as (the much more inflammatory) "Kill the Gays" Bill. Referring to gay acts as unnatural and thus against God's will, the law contributes to the country's already shady human rights record.

While not specifically stated in the bill's verbiage, gay Ugandan men are the ones most at risk due to this law. The stigma that surrounds what gay men do in the bedroom and the silly, yet sad & dangerous correlation between homosexuality and pedophilia is ever-present in Uganda. Of course, transgender, bisexual, gay and lesbian men and women aren't exactly being celebrated here either. The law, when applied, can tear apart families.

The punishment for homosexuality are grave. Repeated 'homosexual acts' won't be tolerated in the country and will land perpetrators a life prison sentence. A prior draft of the bill called for the execution of anyone caught engaging in those acts.

Naturally, the developed world is outraged at the law and considers this a significant step backward for Uganda and the African continent as a whole. The most high profile person to speak out about this bill was U.S. President Barack Obama. His exact remark's were that the bill would be "a step backward for all Ugandans" and that U.S.-Ugandan relations would be adversely affected.

Museveni, in a weak attempt to bolster his popularity overseas, called for joint research into homosexuality. If a gene does exist for homosexuality, meaning that such acts are innate and not chosen, he will reconsider the legislation.

"I therefore encourage the U.S. government to help us by working with our scientists to study whether, indeed, there are people who are born homosexual," Museveni stated. "When that is proved, we can review this legislation."

This legislation has been in the news for quite some time. Back in December, the Ugandan parliament passed the bill and did everything they could to spew inaccuracies about the LGBT community in order to solidify support among Museveni and the population at large.

Brave pro-gay and progressive Ugandan's have protested the bill in the face of grave danger. One activist was already murdered and it's only a matter of time before more bloodshed in spilled.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the American religious right was instrumental in getting this law passed.

In all, 38 African countries have made homosexulaity illegal.

What do you think about this divisive law? Let us know in the comments section below.