homosexuality un-african? it's a big lie

By Peter Mwaura /Fair Play (The Nation)

NAIROBI - June 5, 2006: It is a big lie that homosexuality is unAfrican. This condition is as African as the Ngong Hills. It exists in homes, schools and prisons across the country.

And it is here to stay. It is not a mzungu import. Many African languages even have names for it. Some of those referring to such acts as anal intercourse and female-to-female sex are very euphemistic.

African Homosexuality goes back to ancient times. Traditional societies, however, turned a blind eye to the practice, just as they did to incest.

A 2004 UN study revealed that in Kenya homosexuality (man-to-man) is the preferred sexual orientation among 31.8 per cent of people surveyed in Kisumu, 18.4 per cent in Nairobi, 18 per cent in Malindi and 4 per cent in Mombasa.

Female-to-female sex is also popular in Kisumu, 25.3 per cent, Malindi, 24.6 per cent and Nairobi, 6 per cent.
The study found anal sex was common, with 47.7 per cent of those interviewed in Kisumu stating that they have it "always," 28.6 per cent in Nairobi, 20.8 per cent in Malindi and 14 per cent in Mombasa. In prostitution, anal sex costs more than vaginal sex.

Youth and drug users
The study concluded that homosexuality is "an emerging phenomenon in the Kenyan scene," particularly among the youth and drug users. Although the study did not point this out, the "emerging phenomenon" was apparent only because it was being carried out for the first time. Homosexuality has always been there.

But we should not be judgmental about homosexuality. Most homosexuals do not choose to be. Most are born with a built-in preference. Homosexuals are children of God worthy of kindness and respect, just like any of us are. The gospel emphasises Christ's equal love and concern for all.

Homosexuality exists in all societies and it is difficult to see why we are in constant denial. Is it because we are so prejudiced that homosexuality is "evil" and the denial is a crude attempt to enforce "morality?" Or is it merely an emotional outburst because homosexuality disgusts us?

Politicians and clergy have been foremost in bashing homosexuality as unAfrican. While homophobia is a universal phenomenon, we are far more enslaved by it. Some of us even believe homosexuals are cursed or bewitched.

We are highly intolerant of homosexuals. We see homos as inspired by a decadent Western civilisation.
Jomo Kenyatta's Facing Mount Kenya, published in 1938, leads the pack when it asserts that "the practice of homosexuality is unknown among the Gikuyu." The book argues that the freedom of intercourse allowed between young people of opposite sexes makes homosexuality unnecessary. That is a lot of nonsense.

In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe once described homosexuals as "worse than pigs and dogs" and "a scourge planted by the white man on a pure continent".

In Namibia, Sam Nujoma declared that homosexuals are unAfrican and unnatural. "Namibia does not allow homosexuality and lesbianism here-.Police are ordered to arrest, deport or imprison you."

In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni ordered police to crack down on the "unnatural" and "criminal" practice of homosexuality.

In Kenya, Daniel arap Moi agreed. "Kenya has no room or time for homosexuals and lesbians," said he "Homosexuality is against African norms and traditions and even in religion it is considered a great sin," he said.

More than 20 African countries have some form of law banning homosexuality. In Uganda, it's punishable by life imprisonment. In Kenya, it is 14 years in jail. But many other countries recognise the rights of homosexuals as people with an alternative lifestyle.

Teachings of the scripture
Our politicians and clergy have been very vocal in their condemnation of homosexuality. The Anglican leaders recently announced the church would no longer send priests for training in the United States and Europe - to prevent them from being exposed to a theology that condones homosexuality.

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, head of the Anglican Church of Kenya, and all his 29 bishops condemned the election of Canon Gene Robinson - a homosexual - as bishop of New Hampshire.

They said it was "contrary to the clear teachings of the scripture". And last week, Nzimbi snubbed visiting English bishop John Gladwin because of his support for homosexuals.

How judgmental can you get!