Ugandan anti-gay bill concerns Australia

Australia has expressed its concern over Uganda passing laws that threaten homosexuals with life in prison and requires citizens to denounce gays.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a tough anti-gay bill into law on Monday, prompting strong criticism from Western governments and human rights groups.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop wrote to her Ugandan counterpart on Wednesday to express Australia's "serious concerns" about the laws, and to urge restraint.

In the letter, read out to a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday, Ms Bishop said Australia respected Uganda's sovereignty but was concerned this law undermined basic human rights.

"Australia believes that human rights should be respected without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation," Ms Bishop wrote.

"I call now for Uganda to reconsider the law and to exercise the upmost restraint in its enforcement."