Optimism in Kenya as court set to rule on bid to decriminalise gay sex
Campaigners say the laws have long promoted homophobia in the largely conservative Christian country
Nairobi — There is a quiet air of excitement at the offices of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission ahead of a what could be an historic ruling by the Kenya high court on Friday. The charity has fought hundreds of cases of abuse against sexual minorities in Kenya’s courts, but the verdict on whether to scrap British colonial-era laws criminalising gay sex is undoubtedly its most eagerly anticipated case. “We are excited and cautiously optimistic — but optimistic nonetheless,” Lelei Cheruto from the commission, one of the groups petitioning the court to decriminalise gay sex, said. “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. We feel we have a very solid case.” Homosexuality is taboo 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...
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