US anti-LGBTQ group that pushed harsh Uganda law now concerned it makes them look bad: report

A fringe American religious group that initially pushed the so-called "kill the gays" law in Uganda is growing increasingly concerned that their involvement is making them look bad, according to a report.

Semafor reported Thursday that groups – including the U.S.-based one – are concerned that the harshness of the law could backfire on them as they continue to press for more anti-LGBTQ legislation.

The report said that groups initially pushed the country's government to pass the law but, when a death penalty provision was added, they began to back off.

The Ugandan law, which was passed last month, allows the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." Anyone caught "promoting homosexuality" can be sentenced to 20 years in prison, and anyone convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be sentenced to 14 years.

Semafor described the laws "some of the most severe penalties in the world."

"The Church of Uganda supports life and, in principle, does not support the death penalty," said Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, Archbishop of Uganda. He supported a version of the bill that would have put homosexuals in jail but does not support execution, he said.

Family Watch International (FWI) was the American evangelical lobbying group that pressed President Yoweri Museveni to pass the law but, when the death penalty was added, there was a concern it could make them look bad. So, in April the group's leader Sharon Slater met with the president and suggested that the penalties be softened.

She was ignored.

FWI director Lynn Allred told Semafor that they were "disappointed."

"We believe there are individuals who will not be able to obtain help to align their sexual behavior with their personal values," Allred added.

Read the full report at Semafor.