A US State Department spokesperson told Uganda officials that it needed time to consider the ramifications of the bill before it could continue talks on the US president’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. The scheme is an international effort launched in 2003 to help fund HIV treatment in over 50 countries, particularly in the continent of Africa, and includes a $400 million funding program in Uganda. But after lawmakers in the East African nation passed the draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill on March 21, officials have said more time is needed before meetings between the country can continue. The homophobic legislation criminalizes publicly identifying as LGBTQ+ in the nation with punishments ranging up to 20 years in jail. #lgbtq_civil_right