KHRC study on Religion and Sexuality in Kenya

The Kenya Human Rights Commission – KHRC has commissioned a study on Religion and Sexuality in Kenya. The study is interested in having a clear map of the existing religious attitudes, views and teachings (both official & nonofficial) on same-sex sexuality and gender nonconformity in Kenya. In particular, this study is interested in the views by religious leaders in Kenya on same-sex sexuality, or sex between persons of the same sex (homosexuality) and persons who engage in these activities.

As a related, but separate issue, this study aims to understand the perspectives of religious leaders and their institutions on gender nonconformity; gender non-conformity refers to persons who think, feel or behave in a way that deviates from the conventional, normative social expectations based on their biological sex.

This study, will for the first time in our history, bring together as a compendium of all the official and unofficial teachings by religious institutions on this topic. As a result it will have the following benefits;

1.            Provide a common platform between the Religious Leadership and the Human Rights community in Kenya on which to engage on matters touching basic Human Rights for all people in Kenya, with particular reference for this study, on sexual and gender minorities.

2.            Provide the Human Rights Community in Kenya with clarity and understanding of the common (or diverse) Theological and Moral teachings different Religious communities have on same-sex sexuality and gender non-conformity.

3.            Provide Religious Leaders and Communities, clarity and understanding of sexual minority and gender minority rights (beyond the colloquial assumption of same-sex marriage) and ways in which the Religious Leadership and Communities can engage with the human rights community on this issue.

Religious leaders are important stakeholders in a society’s value formation, both in its understanding of private and public morality. I therefore write to you, with the hope that;

1.            You will be willing to inform Religious leaders who are your listeners and possibly creating the link to the study below, on your social media accounts.

2.            You will be willing advice on how we can reach other religious leaders – many of whom are your listeners. It is very important that all the voices get heard.

The link to the study is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2X6HDPZ  and it takes between 10 – 15mins to complete.