CNN Gets Brutally Fact-Checked On Article Appearing To Defend Sex Crime Perpetrators

On Tuesday, CNN published an article discussing the charges of “aggravated homosexuality” against two Ugandan men, an offense punishable by death under Uganda’s new laws. The article sparked controversy for its portrayal of the issue, with many accusing CNN of appearing to defend sex crime perpetrators.

Following suit, X (Twitter) Community Notes then rightfully fact-checked CNN.

The CNN article reported on two separate cases in Uganda where men have been charged with “aggravated homosexuality.” The first case involves a 20-year-old man in the district of Soroti, charged after allegedly engaging in sexual intercourse with a 41-year-old man with a disability.

The second case is of another man charged last month in the Jinja district for allegedly performing a sexual act with a 12-year-old child of the same sex. Both men are under remand and will appear in court in September.

The article also mentions that Uganda’s new anti-gay laws have ignited global condemnation, including from US President Joe Biden and the World Bank.

However, Community Notes wrote tacked a fact check onto CNN’s post, hitting the organization for misleading their audience: “The headline misleads- the story tells of one man performing sex with a man w/ a disability, and the other for having sex with a same sex child under 12.”

Two men in Uganda are facing separate charges of “aggravated homosexuality,” an offense punishable by death under the country’s controversial new anti-gay laws https://t.co/vwNet7XDuJ

— CNN (@CNN) August 29, 2023

CNN’s article states that “aggravated homosexuality” involves incest, sex with children, as well as people with disabilities or the elderly. While somewhat accurate, the article does not emphasize the severity of the crimes.

CNN quotes Attorney Justine Balya, who represents the 20-year-old man, stating that the law is “entirely unconstitutional because it seeks to criminalize what is often consensual conduct between adults.” However, the statement is misleading, as the law specifically targets non-consensual acts like incest and sex with minors.

REACTIONS:

Good morning to everybody, especially Community Notes 🥰 pic.twitter.com/IFX5fTyH1d

— Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) August 30, 2023

Y’all truly are evil

— Chewy (@ChewyWishy) August 29, 2023

https://twitter.com/FLHippie561/status/1696659065265397851?s=20

It's green with vomit colored sprinkles and drips.

— Soupy 🍜 (@elZorroSword) August 29, 2023

Delete your organization, you disgusting rape apologists.

— Abby Libby (@abbythelibb_) August 30, 2023