Gay rights may be different, but they are human rights

In 2007, Pew Global Attitudes Project survey indicated that 96 per cent of Kenyans are homophobic. In 2011, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) conducted a survey among lesbians, gay, bisexual, Trans gender and bisexuals (LGBTI) communities in Kenya and 89 per cent of these who came out reported they were disowned by their families.

In the KHRC report, employees were reported to have been terminated or subjected to hostility, ridicule, humiliation and discrimination when their sexual orientation or gender identity became known at their work places.

In February 2012, a mob led by religious leaders and village elders stormed an HIV and Aids workshop at Likoni CDF Youth Empowerment Centre with an intent to eject, harass and harm homosexuals attending the seminar.

And the “NO” campaign during the 2010 constitutional referendum around anti-gay messaging was loud and clear as to the Government’s stand on this matter.

This is the sorry state the sexual minorities find themselves in in this country. Their rights, liberties and sense of humanness are constantly under attack.

The maltreatment and open discrimination, are often carried out with impunity.

The Government, in response to the UN Human Rights Committee in May 2010 indicated that same sex unions were culturally unacceptable in Kenya, adding that the only way that can lead to change of public opinion on the matter, was the time when there will be cultural changes.

However, no one should be victimised or discriminated on the basis of their sexual orientation or sexual feelings.

It is a cardinal principle of human rights that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. We have a duty both as a nation and a society to protect the rights of all Kenyans, gay or straight.

This is because LGBTI people are Kenyan citizens. They are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, cousins and even sons and daughters.

They are found in schools, universities, social places, in senior Government positions, in the civil service, in the media and in the private sector. 

Kenya should review laws that criminalise or discriminate same sex relationships.

The fight and eventual achievement of the gay rights in Kenya constitutes the latest frontier in entrenching liberal democracy in the country and genuine human rights defenders have a duty to lead the way. We cannot afford to apply human rights principles selectively.

Ken Wafula is president, National Association of Human Rights