Kenya to launch census of gay population

[theHandpuppet]

Hmmm... I don't know about this. Considering you can be thrown into jail for 14 years just for being gay in Kenya, I could certainly see why officials doubt they will get an accurate count. There's too much room for abuse here against gay citizens who could be persecuted or jailed for participating in the census.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8331338.stm

Kenya to launch homosexual census

Kenya is to carry out a census of its gay population in an effort to bolster the fight against HIV/Aids - despite homosexuality being against the law.

Nicholas Muraguri, head of Kenya's Aids prevention programme Nascop, told the BBC it was vital that the government reached out to the gay community.

<snipping>

But analysts say many gay people will be afraid to come forward in a country where homosexuality can result in jail.

<snipping>

Homosexual activity is punishable by up to 14 years in jail in Kenya.

[theHandpuppet]

1. Forgot to add...

Reading this article, I also question why it is assumed by officials that HIV/AIDS is simply a problem of the gay community. There are a number of aspects to this report that contribute to my skepticism.

[RetiredTrotskyite]

2. Given the Recent Homohating Influence of Some Evangelicals in Africa...

I hope this doesn't turn into a search-and-destroy mission. I'd feel better if African governments would come out against Uganda's treatment of its GLBTQ citizens.

[theHandpuppet]

7. I certainly wouldn't be raising my hand for those census takers

And the rationale behind this planned census sounds suspicious as hell.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. Sounds like a pogrom in planning stages

[theHandpuppet]

6. Exactly how I see it as well

These developments in Kenya bear watching, though the census won't be for some months yet.

[GodlessBiker]

4. This is absurd. "It is vital that the gov't reach out to the gay community." Then jail them!

[jeremyfive]

5. Like the Nazis Asking for a Jewish "Show of Hands"

Let's start with the obvious. . . decriminalize innate drives, of course.

Then start some non-biased polling for public good. The motives here are highly questionable.

[theHandpuppet]

8. Maybe they think only gay folks have HIV/AIDS

So do they believe that if they identify all their gay countrymen they can either thrown them in jail or kill them, and all the HIV/AIDS in Kenya will miraculously disappear?

If these officials really want to reach out to the gay community they can FIRST decriminize being gay so people, all people, won't be afraid to seek treatment for HIV/AIDS. As it is, some probably think the minute they seek treatment they will be thrown in jail for homosexuality, whether they are or not. This further isolates both gays and anyone with HIV/AIDS.

Maybe someone else out there has a more positive spin on this census but I know if I lived in Kenya I wouldn't be raising my hand for the census taker!

[joeybee12]

9. In Africa as a whole AIDS is a greater problem in the straight community...

...although there is denial about this there...either this is a symptom of that denial, or it will be used for nefarious reasons...in either case, no way should anyone there participate.

[GodlessBiker]

10. +1

[theHandpuppet]

11. That was my understanding also

In a documentary on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa that I'd watched some months ago, it was stated that by far the biggest increase in the disease was among the heterosexual population. Like you, I think it's a case of denial and this census will be used to persecute and imprison gay Kenyans, or even make them targets for murder.

I would be interested to know if there are GLBT rights organizations in Kenya and what their reaction is to this planned census.

[joeybee12]

12. Just tried finding some...wiki lists some, but the links don't work...

...seems mainly the groups are covered by umbrella organizations that deal with human rights in general.

[sui generis]

13. d'oh.

Count the number of people who have AIDS who are sexually active and/or needle users. Subtract the number who practice safe sex and/or don't share needles.

Now work with those people. That's your vector - it's the only vector at this point. Everything else is a waste of time.

[mitchtv]

14. Sounds like it.s time for LGBTs

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