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.
