In a concerning development for LGBTQ rights, East Africa is experiencing a wave of anti-LGBT legislation, with Kenya poised to follow Uganda’s lead in enacting a harsh bill targeting gay individuals. Kenyan parliament member Mohamed Ali, a staunch opponent of homosexuality, dismisses the existence of gay Africans and claims that it is a Western imposition on the continent. He believes that openly gay Africans are seeking personal gain, such as visas or financial support from rights organizations.
Inspired by Uganda’s recently passed law, Kenya’s proposed Family Protection Bill, obtained by Reuters, shares many similarities and has sparked fear among the LGBT community. Under the Kenyan bill, engaging in gay sex could result in imprisonment, while “aggravated homosexuality,” involving minors, disabled individuals, or the transmission of a terminal disease, could carry the death penalty. Activists warn that if passed, this legislation would make the lives of queer Kenyans unbearable.
The anti-LGBT sentiment is not limited to Kenya. Tanzania and South Sudan are also witnessing similar efforts to restrict the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Lawmakers from these countries reveal a coordinated legislative drive across East Africa, framing it as a battle to preserve African values and sovereignty against Western pressure to accept gay rights.
President William Ruto of Kenya, known for his evangelical Christian beliefs, has expressed opposition to LGBT rights, further fueling the anti-LGBT sentiment in the country. The proposed bill reflects a shared agenda among lawmakers in the region, with Uganda’s law serving as a model for other countries. Ugandan lawmakers organized a conference in Entebbe, where representatives from several African nations discussed ways to strengthen anti-LGBT laws, emphasizing the need for solidarity across the continent.
The proposed legislation in Kenya poses a significant threat to the LGBTQ community, as it aims to tighten an existing colonial-era law that already criminalizes gay sex. Kenya’s status as a relative safe haven for LGBTQ individuals in East Africa may be compromised if the bill becomes law, as it would make it nearly impossible for individuals persecuted due to their sexual orientation to seek asylum. The Pride event in Nairobi this month exemplifies the chilling effect, with organizers forced to keep the location secret for fear of anti-LGBT activists.
The rise of anti-LGBT legislation in East Africa has sparked concerns among human rights advocates. Despite opposition from international actors, such as the United States, the bill has strong support from well-organized and well-financed anti-LGBT political campaigners. The enactment of Uganda’s law and the election of President Ruto in Kenya, who openly aligns himself with religious proclamations, have emboldened those pushing for stricter laws against the LGBTQ community.
As East Africa grapples with the potential passage of these oppressive laws, it is a critical moment for human rights defenders to rally support and advocate for the protection of LGBTQ rights in the region.