Press Release

Gay Kenya Trust
Member of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK)
P.O Box 13005 Nairobi (00100) Tel: 020 809330 Cell: 0700 718585
E-mail: info[at]gaykenya.com
Web: www.gaykenya.com

Gay Kenya congratulates UN on resolution on LGBT human rights

Gay Kenya extends its congratulation to the United Nation Human Rights Council that has just passed a resolution that protects and defends the human rights of LGBT persons. The UN Human Rights Council resolution sought equal rights for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, marking progress for gay rights despite strong Arab and African opposition.

The resolution was passed narrowly with 23 votes in favour, 19 against and three abstentions.

Presenting the text, South Africa said that ‘no one should be subject to discrimination or violence due to sexual orientation or gender identity’.

It also stressed that the resolution ‘does not seek to impose values on states, but seeks to initiate
dialogue’ on the issue.

Even though it’s not clear on how Kenya voted, Gay Kenya led a petition to ask Kenya’s representative to the UN Human Rights Council to vote YES or at least co-sponsor the resolution. The petition, signed by leading civil society groups and LGBT groups was presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is in charge of Kenya’s representation at the UN.

17 June 2011

Denis Nzioka
Public & Media Affairs Officer | (Acting) Programs Officer
Gay Kenya
P.O. Box 13005-00100 GPO, Nairobi-Kenya
Office Cell: 0700 71 85 85
Skype: denis.nzioka

Email: nzioka[at]gaykenya.com Website: www.gaykenya.com