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Religious leaders unite against LGBTQ agenda, call for stricter law

The religious leaders during the press conference on their stand against LGBTQ.

By Yunis Dekow | 01 Feb 2024

Religious leaders representing the majority of Kenya's population came together to reaffirm and defend the country's religious, cultural, and traditional ideals.

Religious leaders representing the majority of Kenya's population came together to reaffirm and defend the country's religious, cultural, and traditional ideals at a press conference on Thursday.

The leaders, comprised of representatives from Christian and Muslim faiths, voiced their concerns over what they perceive as an orchestrated onslaught by groups promoting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) agenda. Charles Kanjama, Chairperson of the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF), highlighted the subtle growth of LGBTQ activities and the filing of cases in courts to decriminalize homosexuality. The religious leaders expressed dismay at what they see as a departure from the country's laws and cultural values.

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"In the attempts to legally entrench their activities, cases have been filed in the courts by lobby groups funded by foreign agencies to change the country's penal laws to decriminalize homosexuality," said Mr. Kanjama." He added while it is clear that the laws of this country expressly criminalize acts of homosexuality and other unnatural acts, "we are concerned that the government is looking the other way as groups and organizations with sinister agendas continue to promote LGBTQ activities among Kenyans and especially within our young people."

Speaking on behalf of the seventy religious groups, he emphasized the need for President William Ruto to uphold his pledge against LGBTQ activities, citing the unequivocal stands of neighboring leaders, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

They have called upon the Kenyan Parliament to enact legislation that safeguards family values. The religious leaders pledged to remain vigilant in their fight against what they perceive as sinister schemes aimed at corrupting the moral values of Kenyans. Seventy non-governmental, religious organizations and individuals have already petitioned Parliament to fast-track the discussion and passage of the Family Protection Bill sponsored by MP George Peter Kaluma - The Kaluma Bill.

The bill proposes a fine of not less than Sh1 million, a jail term of not less than 10 years, or both, if a person is found guilty of promoting LGBTQ+ activities or encouraging others to perform sexual acts that are illegal. The MP also wants the state to limit certain rights for individuals convicted of homosexual acts.

Kaluma's bill aims to consolidate existing laws pertaining to homosexuality and introduce harsher penalties for promoting LGBTQ+ activities. It also proposes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" in certain cases. The bill further prohibits adoption by same-sex couples and animal sex acts.

"As members of the religious fraternity, we will not remain silent, we will always be vigilant and soldier on in fighting for the protection of family values from the evil machinations. This remains our commitment," read part of the statement of the groups.

The religious leaders urged Kenyans to reject what they referred to as a "poisonous chalice," asserting that it aims to negatively influence the minds of young people and future generations.