In rare unity, MPs call for stiffer laws against same sex relations

Members of Parliament yesterday pushed for stiff punishment for persons engaging in same sex marriages.

In a rare show of unity, the lawmakers also demanded that the government bans publication and distribution of information that promotes same sex relations.

In a debate moved by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali to discuss Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) communities, incensed MPs proposed that individuals who engage in same sex marriages should be dealt with ruthlessly as suggested in both the Quran and the Bible.

Lawmakers raised concerns that should same sex marriages be encouraged in Kenya, then there is fear that humans in the country will be extinct.

The legislators told the Western countries to stop forcing African States to adopt their cultures, which have a negative impact on the future generation.

Ali, who quoted excerpts from the Quran and Bible, said the issue of LGBTQ is not a human rights matter and should thus be condemned.

“This Parliament, therefore, resolves that the government should immediately ban the discussion, publication and distribution of information that promotes same-sex relationships in the country and set strategies to control that content in accordance with Article 45(2) of the Constitution and Article 162 of the Criminal Law to protect society, especially children and young people, against reaching out to the wrong tendencies of love and same-sex marriage,” Ali said.

The motion came hours after US ambassador Meg Whitman reiterated the US government’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Whitman underscored how the US is actively championing recognition of the LGBTQ community while noting that having prejudice towards the movement amounts to infringing on basic human rights.

“Over the past week my team and I met with the LGBTQ community and stakeholders to support human rights of LGBTQ persons,” said Whitman.

She maintained that even though the American stance on gay rights differs from Kenya’s, the US respects the Kenyan law and was by no means influencing a change of perception in the country.

The US envoy went on to reiterate the American view on LGBTQ rights, saying their rights were respected just as human rights.

She, however, clarified that there was no form of coercion by the US on other countries who hold diverse opinions.

But yesterday, the Nyali MP told the western nations that he is ready to lose his Visa as he will continue to oppose the legitimisation of LGBTQ matters.

Future marriages

He argued that Kenya should follow the Ugandan way and pass a law banning the promotion of same sex relationships so as to protect future marriages.

Ali reminded the House that there is need to guard the family unit, as it is the basic link of society and the African way of promoting African cultures and values which ensure human continuity through reproduction;

“Many leaders here I know are afraid of talking about this issue of LGBTQ because they will be denied visas. But as for me I will stand here and tell these countries that I am ready to lose my visa because I will not support gays and lesbians,” he said.

Matuga MP Kasim Tandaza claimed he is aware that some of the members had been given money to push for the legitimisation of LGBTQ, a move that they will not allow.

While seconding Ali’s motion, Tandaza said that by not condemning LGBTQ, Kenya is slowly accepting that homosexuals are part and parcel of our community.

“If we do not condemn this thing we start normalising it. This thing should worry all of us now that it has even started bringing money to this country. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Added Tandaza: “Let those people promoting this thing tell us whether they would be alive today if their parents engaged in the same sex relationship.”

Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere took on the Supreme Court for allowing LGBTQ communities to form and register organisations in the country, claiming that this goes against the spirit of the Constitution.

According to Korere, it is sad that Western countries are threatening to stop funding African nations just because they have refused to support the said communities.

“I am requesting my colleagues to support this move to ban these communities so that we can stand up for our children,” she said. Seme MP James Nyikal opposed the LGBTQ, saying the practice is against traditions and ethics of Africans.

“If we continue preaching this thing, the world will not have children. We will only remain with animals.  It is to this end that I am saying we allow our body organs to do their jobs as they are supposed to do,” he said.

Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai told the Western countries to stop putting pressure on African countries to support LGBTQ as this does not form part of their traditions.

The debate, which may culminate in a members vote, continues today.