Current:Home > NewsMuslims in Kenya protest at Supreme Court over its endorsement of LGBTQ right to associate -Blueprint Wealth Network
Muslims in Kenya protest at Supreme Court over its endorsement of LGBTQ right to associate
View
Date:2025-04-23 08:51:50
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Hundreds of Muslims in Kenya’s capital rallied Friday outside the Supreme Court to protest its decision last month to reaffirm the LGBTQ community’s right of association, saying that the verdict condoned immorality and demanding that some justices step down.
The protest in Nairobi took place after Friday prayers, with demonstrators holding signs that attributed the verdict to “Neo Colonialists” and urged three of the five judges who supported the panel’s majority decision to “Repent and Resign.” Some conservative Christians also attended.
The court last month reaffirmed an earlier ruling that the Non-Governmental Organization Board in Kenya had discriminated against LGBTQ people when it refused to register their association. The two dissenting judges opposed the ruling on the grounds that Kenya’s laws outlaw same-sex relationships.
Lawmaker Mohamed Ali told The Associated Press that Kenya is a religious country and that the court should respect that.
“Islam and Christianity are against gayism,” he said. “Our country’s constitution doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages. Three people in a court should not go against the societal values.”
President William Ruto had said after the ruling that he respected the court’s decision, but also noted that the country’s culture and religion don’t allow same-sex relationships.
The LGBTQ community in Kenya is often targeted by homophobic people, including in cases of physical and verbal abuse.
Kenya’s neighbor, Uganda, in May enacted an anti-LGBTQ law that carries the death penalty for charges of aggravated homosexuality, defined as cases of same-sex sexual relations involving a minor and other categories of vulnerable people, or when the perpetrator is infected with HIV.
A Kenyan lawmaker, Peter Kaluma, has submitted a similar harsh law in Kenya’s national assembly that is pending a review before it goes to the House for debate.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- How to avoid talking politics at Thanksgiving? Consider a 'NO MAGA ALLOWED' sign.
- Want to save money for Thanksgiving? Here are some ideas for a cheaper holiday dinner
- Does Black Friday or Cyber Monday have better deals? How to save the most in 2023.
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Here are the Books We Love: 380+ great 2023 reads recommended by NPR
- Ahead of Dutch elections, food banks highlight the cost-of-living crisis, a major campaign theme
- 2 people killed, 3 injured when shots were fired during a gathering at an Oklahoma house, police say
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- BaubleBar’s Black Friday Sale Is Finally Here—Save 30% Off Sitewide and Other Unbelievable Jewelry Deals
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Honda recalls nearly 250,000 cars, SUVs and pickup trucks
- 3-year-old fatally shoots his 2-year-old brother after finding gun in mom’s purse, Gary police say
- When should kids specialize in a sport? Five tips to help you find the right moment
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Memphis Police say suspect in shooting of 5 women found dead in his car
- What is the healthiest chocolate? How milk, dark and white stack up.
- Aaron Nola returns to Phillies on 7-year deal, AP source says
Recommendation
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
Test flight for SpaceX's massive Starship rocket reaches space, explodes again
Ahead of Dutch elections, food banks highlight the cost-of-living crisis, a major campaign theme
Test flight for SpaceX's massive Starship rocket reaches space, explodes again
'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
3rd release of treated water from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant ends safely, operator says
5 common family challenges around the holidays and how to navigate them, according to therapists
Catholic priest sentenced to life for sex trafficking boys, manipulating opioid addictions