NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 1 – A group of religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim faiths in Kenya have submitted a petition to Parliament, seeking an inquiry into what they perceive as the increasing prevalence of LGBTQ activities.
The clerics expressed concern about a sustained effort to normalize LGBTQ issues, which they believe is being driven by foreign non-state actors through financial lobbying.
The religious leaders, representing the Kenya Christians Professional Forum and the Muslim Council for Imams and Preachers of Kenya, contend that these efforts seek to amend penal laws and decriminalize acts like homosexuality, contrary to the existing laws, penal code, and constitution of Kenya.
They have called on parliament to engage relevant government agencies, including the Executive, Ministry of Education, Health, Foreign Affairs, Labor, and the Inspector General of Police, to investigate the infiltration of LGBTQ matters across various sectors, particularly schools, the curriculum, the health sector, and civil society, allegedly through foreign funding.
The clerics expressed specific concerns about the impact on education, highlighting instances of LGBTQ content appearing in books and study materials. They called for an urgent investigation into unsanctioned publishers and distributors of such material.
The religious leaders also urged the government to clarify the actions being taken to address the situation and called upon the Inspector General and the Ministry of Labor to explain their efforts to promote family values and enforce laws against homosexuality.
Additionally, the religious leaders requested the expedited consideration of the Family Protection Bill, introduced by Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma, which aims to criminalize all forms of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. They emphasized the importance of amending the Penal Code in a manner that aligns with the Constitution while preserving its principles.
The clerics also urged parliament to reject the proposed decriminalization bill by the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ), insisting that any amendments to the Penal Code should respect the Constitution’s values.
