Kenyan Queer Activists Demand Rejection of Anti-LGBTQ Petition by Parliament

LGBTQ groups in Kenya call out anti-LGBTQ petition

In Kenya, LGBTQ rights groups are calling on lawmakers in a big push against a petition from anti-LGBTQ activists and religious leaders. This petition demands government action against what it claims are rising numbers in LGBTQ visibility across Kenya.

Questioning what's behind this petition

The petition, first brought before parliament in February last year, met with stiff resistance from LGBTQ advocacy groups. Spearheaded by KELIN, a coalition focused on health and human rights, these groups contend that there's no real backbone behind this document. They say it's all accusations without evidence. "The allegations are unsupported and lack documentation," they wrote. "Claims about diseases tied back falsely on LGBTQ communities have no medical basis. We're urging parliament not be swayed by baseless opinions."

The petition's political push

In parliament, Mohamed Ali, a representative from Kenya's ruling party and a vocal opponent against LGBTQ rights, has been leading this petition. Joining him, over 70 individuals from anti-LGBTQ groups, including influential religious organizations like Kenya Christians Professional Forum and Muslim Council, are lending their support.

Efforts and hurdles faced by queer rights groups

On August 5, several queer rights organizations, KELIN included, were invited by a parliamentary committee meant address their concerns. "We showed up ready," said Michael Kioko, Legal Manager at Center For Minority Rights and Strategic Litigation. "But they weren't, so we had reschedule it two days later." It was postponed yet again because, apparently, committee members hadn't even elected their leaders.

A call fairness in legislative process

This indefinite delay drags on while Parliament went on a month-long break as August 20. In their submissions, LGBTQ rights groups acknowledge petitioners' right engage with legislative matters. Still, they emphasize that Parliament shouldn't become platform discrimination against LGBTQ folks. "Petitioners may have their rights," say these groups, "but orchestrating unconstitutional actions against LGBTQ people isn't among them." They argue that such attempts conflict with national laws and Kenya's own Bill Rights, not mention international agreements like Universal Declaration Human Rights, which Kenya stands by.

Standing up constitutional rights

In light accusations against Supreme Court's supposed overreach legalizing homosexuality, LGBTQ advocates have labeled anti-LGBTQ lobbyists "fear-mongers." They claim court merely recognized these communities' constitutional rights freedom association by allowing registration previously blocked LGBTQ organizations. "We hope Parliament considers petition guided Supreme Court rulings," advocates wrote, highlighting right association and other basic human rights.

Dispelling false claims

Allegations that an LGBTQ "agenda" infiltrated schoolbooks aim confuse children were slammed by advocates as baseless — with educational authorities confirming there's no evidence. Plus, petitioners never proved they'd even taken their claims up with Kenya Institute Curriculum Development. They're urging lawmakers reject entire petition due lack substantiation, stressing LGBTQ people continue face harassment and rights erosion contrary constitution and international laws. "Petitioners using Parliament further discriminatory agenda," advocates concluded. Once committee's formed properly, government ministries will testify — from Education Health Foreign Affairs Labor Social Protection and Police Inspector General.