Uganda bans miniskirts as MPs pass anti-pornography bill

Opponents claim it would stop performers such as Beyonce and Madonna appearing on TV

Opponents claim the bill would stop performers such as Beyonce and Madonna appearing on TV (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Ugandan MPs have passed a controversial anti-pornography Bill that will ban miniskirts and other clothing deemed to be sexually explicit.

The Bill, widely opposed as a threat to women's rights, could also see many films and TV dramas being banned. Opponents claim it would stop performers such as Beyonce and Madonna appearing on their television channels.

According to the Daily Monitor the anti-pornography Bill outlaws anything that shows sexual parts of a person such as breasts, thighs, buttocks or any erotic behaviour intended to cause sexual excitement or any indecent act or behaviour tending to corrupt morals.

The Bill claims there has been an increase in pornography in the country.

The Bill is a throwback to the reign of former dictator Idi Amin who banned miniskirts by decree in Uganda during the 1970s.

Simon Lokodo, a former Catholic priest and backer of the Bill, said earlier this year: “One can wear what one wants, but please do not be provocative.”

The Bill needs to be approved by the president before becoming law.