Tag: LGBTQ News

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has acknowledged concerns among the faithful regarding a recent statement from the Vatican on blessings for same-sex couples. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the topic in Kenya, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, Chairman of the KCCB, released a statement seeking to clarify the Church’s position.

Addressing the anxieties and confusion generated by the Vatican document, Archbishop Musonde emphasized that it does not equate to an endorsement of same-sex marriage or a change in the Church’s understanding of marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman.

He explained the concept of “simple blessings” introduced in the document, clarifying that they are distinct from liturgical blessings and can extend to various aspects of life, including relationships. The Archbishop drew a parallel to the blessings parents bestow on their children, highlighting the Church’s inherent desire to offer love and support to all individuals, regardless of their personal circumstances.

The KCCB statement further emphasizes the importance of open hearts and inclusivity, echoing Pope Francis’s call for a Church where everyone feels welcome. However, it also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and discernment within the Church community to navigate this complex issue with respect and understanding.

The Supreme Court of Kenya’s ruling on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) associations has been met with mixed reactions.

The ruling, which dismissed a petition filed by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma seeking to overturn a lower court ruling that allowed the registration of LGBTQ associations, has been welcomed by some LGBTQ rights groups as a victory for equality and non-discrimination.

However, the ruling has also been condemned by a section of religious groups and leaders, who argue that it is against the country’s culture and values.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) has called the ruling “unfortunate” and said it will be announcing its next steps in the coming weeks.

The CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), Dr Ezekiel Mutua, has also condemned the ruling, saying that homosexuality is not part of Kenyan culture.

“Our Constitution outlaws homosexuality, and in Section 11 recognises culture as ‘the cumulative civilisation of the Kenyan people.’ Homosexuality is not our culture,” Dr Mutua said.

Nyali MP Mohamed Ali has also spoken out against the ruling, saying that it threatens family structures.

“I strongly condemn the Supreme Court’s ruling and will stand by the people of Kenya to protect our values, traditions, religions and Laws that foreign players will not dictate,” Mohamed Ali said in a post on social media.

The ruling is a significant development in the fight for LGBTQ rights in Kenya. It remains to be seen how the government and society will respond to the ruling.

In the meantime, the LGBTQ community is celebrating the victory and hoping that it will pave the way for further progress in the fight for equality.

A 20-year-old Ugandan man has been charged with aggravated homosexuality, a capital offense under a controversial law that was passed in May. This is the first time that such a charge has been reported, and it is not clear if there have been any previous prosecutions.

The man, who has not been named, was charged by a court in eastern Uganda on August 18, following allegations that he engaged in sexual relations with a 41-year-old man. It is not clear why this was considered to fall under the category of “aggravated homosexuality.”

According to the law, the “aggravated” category includes having gay sex with someone below the age of 18 or where someone is infected with a life-long illness including HIV.

Justine Balya, the defendant’s lawyer, told Reuters that Uganda has charged four other people under the anti-homosexuality law, but her client is the first to be prosecuted under this punitive category.

The World Bank said earlier this month that it was halting new loans to Uganda because the anti-homosexuality law contradicts its core values.

The law has been widely condemned by human rights groups, who say it is discriminatory and could lead to violence against LGBTQ people.

The Ugandan government has defended the law, saying it is necessary to protect the country’s “traditional values.”

The case against the 20-year-old man is still ongoing, and it is not clear what the outcome will be. However, the charge against him is a reminder of the challenges that LGBTQ people face in Uganda.

The United States has announced plans to withdraw key services and aid offered to Uganda after the signing of an anti-gay bill into law on Monday.

In a statement, US President Joe Biden condemned the move, calling it a “gross violation of human rights” and calling for the law to be repealed.

“I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal,” Biden said. “This act is a threat to the people of Uganda, including U.S. citizens.”

Biden said he has directed the National Security Council to evaluate some of the key aids the US is offering to Uganda, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“As such, I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments,” he said.

“My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),” he added.

Biden further said his administration was deliberating the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the US.

The anti-gay law, which was signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, imposes a life sentence on anyone convicted of “aggravated homosexuality.” The law has been widely condemned by human rights groups, who say it is discriminatory and will lead to increased violence and discrimination against LGBTQ people in Uganda.

The US is not the only country to have condemned the law. The United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway have also expressed their opposition to the law and have called for its repeal.

The Ugandan government has defended the law, saying it is necessary to protect the country’s “moral fabric.” However, human rights groups say the law is nothing more than a way to persecute LGBTQ people.

The signing of the anti-gay law is a major setback for LGBTQ rights in Uganda. The law is likely to have a chilling effect on the lives of LGBTQ people in Uganda, and it is possible that it will lead to an increase in violence and discrimination against them.