Kenya Deputy President: Homosexuality will not be allowed in our society
William Ruto, Deputy President of Kenya has told religious leaders he will not allow homosexuality to become legal.
Kenya is considered to be one of the most unfriendly countries towards gay people in the world. A survey in 2007 found that 96% of people found homosexuality unacceptable.
Currently being gay can lead to up to 14 years in prison.
Speaking at a church service Mr Ruto said: “We will stand with religious leaders to defend our faith and believes.
“We will not allow homosexuality in our society as it violates our religious and cultural beliefs.
“There’s no room for homosexuality in this country. That one I can assure you.
“We are not saying this to get votes but to protect what we all beliefs.”
A pro-gay group in the country, the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, has fought a long-running legal battle after being blocked from registering as an NGO – leaving them without a number of legal protections.
However, the High Court set a ground-breaking precedent in a ruling today, which found that the groups should be permitted – and that popular morality and religion should not be basis for limiting rights in Kenya.
