Amnesty International Kenya has called on political and religious leaders to respect and protect LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex and Queer persons) groups in Kenya.
In a notice dated October 4, the organization highlighted their concern over the recent online and offline surge in anti-LGBTQ statements in Kenya.
Moreover, the organization claimed that this radicalization is openly being encouraged and has the potential of endangering the lives of members of this diverse community.
“While we uphold the fundamental right of every individual to picket, present petitions, and express their opinions peacefully, we also recognize that the increase in anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of Kenyan communities,” the statement reads in part.
The organization attributed this surge to religious bodies publicly condemning this community.
Call for Dialogue
Additionally, the Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton, said that there should be a dialogue between the diverse groups to promote mutual understanding.
He said that statements made against LGBTQ could lead to discrimination and violence.
“It is our earnest appeal to political and religious leaders in Kenya to exercise care and caution in their public statements regarding the LGBTIQ+ communities.
Instead of promoting hostility, discrimination, and violence against other Kenyans, we urge them to engage in respectful dialogue with community representatives,” Irungu stated.
According to the Organization, promoting mutual understanding and respect will contribute positively to the society’s progress and unity.
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Likewise, Amnesty International urged the police to remember their role on keeping all Kenyans safe including the LGBTIQ groups and persons.
“We remind all law enforcement agencies, especially the police, that they have an obligation to keep all Kenyan citizens safe, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” part of the statement read.
Amnesty Calls for NCIC’s Intervention
In addition, Amnesty International called upon the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to forbid any group from passing on hate speech and discrimination to safeguard national cohesion and harmony.
They asked NCIC to make it clear when and how one can be prosecuted if they harass the minority group.
“The NCIC must now actively document and recommend for prosecution any instances of harassment or violence against this minority group,” stated Amnesty.
Further, the organization noted that LGBTIQ+ are part of many Kenyan families and communities nationally.
“They are students, teachers, health workers, lawyers, police officers, politicians, civil servants, and religious leaders,” read the statement in part.
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Nonetheless, the organization noted that it believes in a Kenya where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, adding that it would continue to monitor and advocate for mutual respect and understanding.
“We stand by the constitutional principles of human rights, equality, and justice today as we have when other religious faiths, ethnic groups, poor and other marginalized groups have been profiled and targeted over the last decade,” they stated.
Further, they warned that anyone who would get involved in hate speech and hate crime against any community or individual based on their identity would be investigated and prosecuted.
