Kenya’s deputy president told worshippers at a church service in Nairobi that homosexuality had no place in the east African nation.
“We will not allow homosexuality in our society as it violates our religious and cultural beliefs,” William Ruto was quoted as telling a cheering congregation at the Jesus Winner Ministry Church on the outskirts of the capital, reports AFP.
“We will stand with religious leaders to defend our faith and our beliefs,” he said. “There’s no room for homosexuality in this country. That one I can assure you.”
Ruto’s comments came as US Secretary of State John Kerry visited Kenya. Asked to react to the reported comments, Kerry reiterated Washington’s position.
“The US believes that all people are created equal and all people have rights, that includes people of every faith, every gender, every choice of partner, no matter who you love,” he told reporters.
Last week, judges in Kenya ordered a government agency to register a human rights group representing the country’s gay people.
Ruto is currently on trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, accused of crimes against humanity. He said his stance was about morality not politics.
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AFP →