Ugandan Gays Await President's Final Decision

KAMPALA, Uganda -- A Uganda parliamentary spokeswoman says the president must still sign an anti-gay law, disputing rights activists who say the bill will automatically become law on Sunday.

Helen Kawesa said Friday that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is allowed 30 days within which to sign or veto a bill. She said the president was given a copy of the bill in December. Museveni is known to violate the 30-day time frame within which to sign bills or return them to lawmakers with any recommendations.

Amnesty International says if Museveni doesn't veto the bill it will automatically become law on Feb. 23, based on the group's estimation of when Museveni received the anti-gay measure, which prescribes life imprisonment for some homosexual acts.

Museveni has said he will sign the bill despite international criticism.