The Atheist Society of Kenya has expressed disappointment with the proposed bill by Homabay MP George Kaluma that seeks to criminalize homosexuality in Kenya.
The society’s President, Harrison Mumia said the bill, which proposes a life sentence for those found to have engaged in homosexual acts, is an assault on civil freedoms.
He raised concerns that such a bill would lead to the repression of marginalized and oppressed sections of society, particularly the LGBTQI+ community.
“Criminalizing homosexuality will only serve to push these individuals further into the margins of society, and risk persecution,” Mr Mumia noted in a statement.
Mumia emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, and that the government must uphold the rights of all citizens.
He said the government has the responsibility to safeguard the rights of every citizen and shield them from discrimination and oppression as well as secure their welfare.
In addition, Mumia urged civil society organizations and human rights defenders to speak out against the proposed bill and to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community.
In recent years, the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Kenya has worsened, with increased violence and harassment towards them.
In February 2019, the Kenyan High Court upheld the criminalization of homosexuality, stating that it was not a violation of human rights.
However, in May 2019, the Kenyan film “Rafiki” became the first Kenyan film to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival and dealt with LGBTQ+ issues.
The film’s director, Wanuri Kahiu, challenged the Kenyan government’s censorship of the film, which had been banned in Kenya for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship.
In March 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that the government’s decision to ban “Rafiki” was unconstitutional, stating that freedom of expression is protected under the constitution.
The ruling was seen as a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya and a step towards greater inclusivity.