Josh Cavallo has hit out at Uganda's "sickening" new Anti-Homosexuality law that has introduced the death penalty for LGBT+ people.
Cavallo is currently the only active openly gay top-flight footballer in the world, having come out in October 2021. The Adelaide United star has since become a leading spokesperson for LGBT+ rights and has been left appalled by Uganda's treatment of LGBT+ people.
The midfielder attended New York City's pride march on Sunday, joining charity The Trevor Project on their float for the parade through the city's streets. Following the celebrations, Cavallo produced a social media post taking aim at Uganda's new law.
Cavallo had attended the parade with Carl Nassib, the only openly gay player in the NFL. The Australian's message came alongside a picture with his partner on the float and a video of the cheering crowds.
"Uganda! This is for you. Your death penalty and life imprisonment you have approved for conviction of same-sex relations. This is sickening and I’m not afraid to stand against you," he wrote.
"Pride days are here to remark nations like you that need to take a look at yourself. It’s not acceptable. Going around the world to celebrate individuals who were born to be who they are makes my heart full.
"Thank you to all the beautiful people that stand with me to fight for our freedom. From everyone around the world, We’re here and we’re Queer. There is zero excuse to treat us differently."
Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, signed the Anit-Homosexuality Act 2023 into law at the end of May. The law criminalises same-sex conduct, creating new crimes such as the 'promotion of homosexuality' and introducing the death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality'.
It also increases the prison sentence for attempted same-sex conduct to 10 years. According to Human Rights Watch, the act violates multiple fundamental rights guaranteed under Uganda's constitution.
Anyone advocating for the rights of LGBT people, including representatives of human rights organisations or those providing financial support to organisations that do so, will face up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the 'promotion of homosexuality' under the new law.
It is not the first time that Cavallo has hit out at Uganda's horrific anti-LGBT+ law. He previously posted a photo of himself next to a Pride flag alongside a message insisting it is "disgusting".
"Three days ago a country which has a population of 49 million passed a new law for people identifying as LGBTQIA+ to be sentenced to the death penalty upon existence," Cavallo wrote in May.
"Listen up. Me, my friends, my family and my community are not ashamed of who we are. This world is for everyone! No matter what you love, how you dress or what gender you are. Killing someone for their identity in 2023 is beyond disgusting.
"We still have a huge mountain ahead for equality in the space of LGBTQIA+ existence. I couldn’t be more comfortable and prouder in my skin to be a LGBTQIA+ individual and let me tell you something that’s not going to change!"
