Uganda's constitutional court invalidated its anti-gay bill that imposed severe punishment on homosexuals because of procedural technicality and not because the lawmakers had a change of heart.

The BBC reports that the law was struck down because the parliament did not achieve a quorum to vote for the Anti-Homosexuality Act. The court concluded that the speaker acted in an illegal manner because she did not ensure that they had a quorum.

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The Anti-Homosexuality Act imposed a maximum punishment of life in prison for those convicted of "aggravated homosexuality" and seven years' jail time for those aiding others to engage in the act. When the bill was enacted in February, it drew international protests and led some western countries to suspend aid for Uganda, ABC detailed.

Although the court overturned the anti-gay law, it does not mean that the Ugandans already changed their views on homosexuality. The bill's supporters said the West was using it to push its ideas on Uganda.

For majority of the countries in Africa, homosexuality is still taboo. Among the 37 nations on the continent where it is illegal, Uganda is one of those that impose the harshest punishments.

In Africa, few gay individuals reveal their sexuality because they fear that they would be imprisoned, lose their job, or become a victim of violence.

According to the petition, the Anti-Homosexuality Act violated a person's fundamental rights.

Lawyers said the ruling can still be challenged with an appeals process.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni is set to visit the U.S. next week to attend the summit of African leaders. He is expected to comment on the anti-gay bill ruling on a press conference this Saturday.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the organization welcomes the court ruling. He said the UN secretary-general also praised those who spoke out on the issue and contributed to this result.

The White House also praised the court's decision. Reuters cited White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price describing the ruling as an significant step in upholding human rights for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community as well as the rest of the Ugandans.

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