By Sekaggya Seka Moses
A contentious exchange erupted between MPs Anna Adeke (Soroti DWR) and Jonathan Odur (Erute South) during the scrutiny of The Sexual Offences Bill 2024 before the Joint Committee of Legal and Gender.
The debate centered on whether the mouth and anus should be recognized as body organs where sexual violence can be committed.
Odur expressed concerns that including the anus as a sexual organ would create a loophole for legalizing homosexuality in Uganda.
“If you read this law carefully, you seem to give another window for homosexuals, in relation to the Anti-Homosexuality Act,” Odur argued. He advocated for maintaining the status quo, where only the penis and vagina are considered permissible sexual organs.
Odur warned that broadening the definition of sexual organs could lead to confusion, questioning whether breasts or buttocks would also be considered sexual organs.
“So I understand why lawmakers then and now had restricted that. Maybe that is why under the law, they were using other terms maybe canal knowledge because when we import and bring that (mouth & anus), I think we are going to create a lot of confusion,” Odur stated.
Adeke countered Odur’s arguments, emphasizing that recognizing the anus and mouth as sexual organs does not condone homosexuality.
“We must know that even heterosexual couples can or even have anal sex, making anus a sexual organ, that doesn’t drive us into condoning homosexuality,” Adeke said. She pointed out that the current Penal Code Act only recognizes the vagina as a sexual organ, leaving victims of anal or oral penetration without recourse.
Adeke also highlighted the importance of recognizing the mouth as a sexual organ, citing instances of forced oral sex.
“We have men forcing their penises into women’s mouths, is it a lie? No. That is a sexual organ under this law. That also becomes rape under this law. You haven’t penetrated a vagina, but you have put your sexual organ into somebody’s mouth. That is rape,” Adeke emphasized.
The debate also touched on the issue of consent, with Odur questioning whether the legislation would punish consensual sexual acts.
Adeke clarified that the presence of a complainant is necessary to determine lack of consent.
The discussion concluded with Adeke reiterating that the anus and mouth are not inherently sexual organs, but can be involved in sexual acts.
“The anus, mouth aren’t sexual organs but a sexual act can be committed with that organ. If I put my finger into your mouth or ear, it isn’t a sexual act, but if I put a penis into your mouth, it is a sexual act,” Adeke explained.
The Joint Committee of Legal and Gender will continue to scrutinize The Sexual Offences Bill 2024, weighing the competing perspectives on this critical legislation.
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