EDITORIAL: Time to boycott Kenya
We ought to treat states that routinely violate the human rights of their citizens as pariahs
Kenya’s constitution is a paean to liberal values: human dignity, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, nondiscrimination and protection of the marginalised. Unless you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, it would seem.In the same month that Brazil moved to criminalise homophobia and transphobia, and Taiwan legalised gay marriage, the Supreme Court of Kenya upheld a colonial-era law criminalising same-sex relations. Quite astoundingly, the court said the petitioners had not shown that the law violates the LGBTQ+ community’s constitutionally guaranteed rights to health, dignity and privacy.It’s not enough to say the matter is largely moot because the law is infrequently enforced. As Human Rights Watch points out, the simple fact of discrimination plays out in broader violations: violence on the basis of sexual orientation; a reluctance to take such matters to the authorities; and differential treatment by the authorities when it is reported.So much for the equality and rule of law trum...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.