Optimism Rocks Same Sex Community Ahead of Friday Ruling

The mood at the at the offices of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) is quite undoubtedly filled thin excitement, as the countdown draws closer to Friday’s much-awaited ruling to define the future of homosexuality in Kenya.

NGLHRC has fought hundreds of cases of abuse against sexual minorities in Kenya’s courts, but the much waited verdict on whether to scrap British colonial-era laws criminalizing gay sex is undoubtedly their most eagerly anticipated case.

NGLHRC has fought hundreds of cases of abuse against sexual minorities in Kenya’s courts, but the much waited verdict on whether to scrap British colonial-era laws criminalizing gay sex is undoubtedly their most eagerly anticipated case.

“We are excited and cautiously optimistic – but optimistic nonetheless,” Lelei Cheruto from NGLHRC, one of the groups petitioning the court to decriminalize gay sex, told journalists.

“A positive ruling will mean sexual minorities in Kenya will have the freedom to exist. It will be a step towards their inclusion in society and this would be a land mark ruling. We feel we have a very solid case.”

Homosexuality is felony in the East African nation and persecution of sexual minorities is rife. Under sections of Kenya’s penal code, gay sex – or “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” – is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Campaigners say the laws have long promoted homophobia in the largely conservative Christian country – and are used daily to persecute and discriminate against sexual minorities.Campaigners say the laws have long promoted homophobia in the largely conservative Christian country – and are used daily to persecute and discriminate against sexual minorities.Campaigners say the laws have long promoted homophobia in the largely conservative Christian country – and are used daily to persecute and discriminate against sexual minorities.

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