US President Barack Obama has warned Uganda's leader that enacting anti-gay legislation would be a "step backward" and could complicate ties with Washington.
Obama issued a strong statement on the weekend saying he was "deeply disappointed" in Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni's apparent plans to move forward with the bill.
"We believe that people everywhere should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, and that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, no matter who they are or whom they love," Obama said.
"That is why I am so deeply disappointed that Uganda will shortly enact legislation that would criminalise homosexuality.
It will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda, Obama said.
"It will be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda's commitment to protecting the human rights of its people."
The anti-gay legislation cruised through Uganda's parliament in December after its architects dropped an extremely controversial death penalty clause.
The measure, which has been greeted with international condemnation, would criminalise the promotion or recognition of homosexual relations.
Obama suggested the Ugandan president - a key regional ally for the US and the European Union - risks damaging his country's ties with Washington if he signs the bill into law.
"As we have conveyed to President Museveni, enacting this legislation will complicate our valued relationship with Uganda," Obama said.
Museveni, a devout evangelical Christian, has expressed the view that gays are "sick" and "abnormal", but refused to sign the anti-gay legislation last month.
"He does not approve of homosexuality but he believes that these people have a right to exist," presidential spokesman Tamale Mirudi told AFP at the time.
Obama noted "an increase in reports of violence and harassment targeting members of the LGBT community from Russia to Nigeria".
"I salute all those in Uganda and around the world who remain committed to respecting the human rights and fundamental human dignity of all persons," he said.
