( CNN ) -- The U.S. government and business tycoon Richard Branson led a growing chorus of voices around the world Tuesday slamming Uganda 's new anti-gay bill , which would make some gay acts punishable by life in prison . The bill , which in its original form prescribed the death penalty for cases of `` aggravated homosexuality '' -- for instance if someone is infected with HIV -- reduced the penalty to life imprisonment before the vote . Clauses that criminalize the `` promotion '' of homosexuality could cause activists and even doctors treating gay patients with HIV to face prison time . The United States opposes `` any legislation that undermines a person 's enjoyment of his or her human rights , and for that reason we condemn legislation that criminalizes consensual sexual conduct between adults or criminalizes simply being of a particular sexual orientation or gender identity , '' a State Department official said Tuesday . Emphasizing that Washington respects Uganda 's sovereignty , the official noted that some of Uganda 's own government institutions have spoken out `` against further criminalization of homosexuality . '' `` As Americans , we believe that people everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality -- and that no one should face violence or discrimination for who they are and whom they love , '' State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said . `` We join those in Uganda and around the world who appeal for respect for the human rights of LGBT persons and of all persons . '' Among those condemning Uganda 's anti-gay bill was British billionaire and Virgin chief Branson , who tweeted that he `` would n't do business in Uganda due to their dreadful anti-gay laws . '' He urged others to follow suit . In a statement on his website , under the headline `` Let people love whoever they want , '' Branson wrote that he was seriously considering doing business in Uganda , but the `` witch hunt against the gay community and lifetime sentences means it would be against my conscience to support this country . '' `` Governments must realise that people should be able to love whoever they want , '' he wrote . `` It is not for any government ( or anyone else ) to ever make any judgments on people 's sexuality . They should instead celebrate when people build loving relationships that strengthen society , no matter who they are . '' Gay-rights activists have warned of mounting violence against homosexuals after Parliament passed the controversial legislation last week . Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries , where sodomy laws were introduced during colonialism . In Uganda , homosexual acts have been punishable by 14 years to life in prison , according to rights activists . But lawmakers in the conservative nation sought even harsher legislation , saying the Western lifestyle risks destroying Ugandan family units . `` What we are convinced and sure of is that nobody can in one 's right conscience and consciousness choose to be homosexual , '' said Simon Lokodo , Uganda 's minister for ethics and integrity . `` This must be under pressure or conditions because we know that the natural tendency is always for a male to go for a female and vice versa . '' For the bill to become law , President Yoweri Museveni will have to approve it within 30 days .
NEW : The United States appeals to Uganda to respect human rights . Richard Nixon calls on companies to do business in Uganda . The bill would make some gay acts punishable by life in prison . If the president agrees , it will become law .