Like some kind of large-scale diplomatic #nohomo, at least half a dozen Kenyan leaders have warned U.S. President Barack Obama to leave the LGBT advocacy at home when he visits their country later this month.
"We have heard that in the U.S. they have allowed gay relations and other dirty things," Deputy President William Ruto said in reference to the Supreme Court's recent decision on same-sex marriage at a Nairobi church on Sunday, the Daily Nation reports. "No amount of persuasions, theories or philosophy will make us change our position. We believe in God, this is a God fearing nation and will continue to be so."
Kenyan law prohibits any and all "homosexual activity," according to Equaldex, and offenders can be punished with up to 14 years in prison. To say that the East African nation's climate is less than hospitable to its LGBT citizens would be an understatement; a 2013 Pew study found that 90 percent of Kenyans believe homosexuality should not be accepted by society.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi echoed Ruto's sentiments on Monday, the Daily Nation reports, warning that the American president would be removed if he broached the subject before the House.
Five other Kenyan lawmakers have expressed similarly staunch opposition, including Kiharu MP Irungu Kang'ata, Reuters reports. Speaking at a (low-attended) anti-homosexuality rally in Nairobi on Monday, Kang'ata said he would tell Obama to "shut up and go home" if he tries to bring up "the gay agenda" or "the abortion agenda."
Obama's visit to Kenya and Ethiopia is scheduled to begin Jul. 25.
Bad at filling out bios seeks same.