Tag: LGBTQ

Co-Founder of Moms for Liberty, Bridget Ziegler, Allegedly Featured in Another Sex Tape with Another Woman: Report

This blog originally appeared at Advocate.


Bridget Ziegler, who supported the signing of Florida’s ‘don’t say gay’ law, implicated in another sex tape scandal.

Sarasota police acquire a second sex video involving Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, featuring his wife Bridget Ziegler in an intimate encounter with another woman.

The Florida Center for Government Accountability, the organization that first reported on the investigation into rape allegations against Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, has revealed that local law enforcement sources confirm the existence of a second sex tape involving Ziegler’s wife, Bridget Ziegler, with another woman. It remains unclear whether the woman in this video is the same individual who accused Christian Ziegler of rape, or if it involves a different person.

Police have acquired a video recorded by Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, depicting a sexual encounter with the woman who has accused him of rape. Law enforcement sources, detailing the contents of the tape to the Florida Center for Government Accountability, suggest that the video introduces complicating factors into the case against Ziegler, as certain details appear to contradict the events as described by the woman in Sarasota who brought forward the accusations.

While investigating Christian Ziegler, police discovered another video, as reported by the Center for Government Accountability. The identity of the woman in this new video remains unclear at this point.


“There is uncertainty about whether the woman in the video is the same individual who accused Christian Ziegler of sexual assault. Requests for comments from both Christian and Bridget Ziegler have gone unanswered, as reported by the Trident.

Bridget Ziegler, known for co-founding the conservative Moms for Liberty organization, has been serving on the Sarasota County School Board in her recent capacity.

In the process of obtaining a search warrant, Bridget Ziegler acknowledged to law enforcement that over a year earlier, she had participated in a threesome with her husband and the woman. Speculation in Southwest Florida continues about the couple’s involvement in a non-traditional marriage for an extended period. This revelation is particularly noteworthy given that the political power couple had consistently advocated for social conservative values, with Bridget Ziegler notably standing alongside Governor Ron DeSantis during the signing of Florida’s controversial ‘don’t say gay’ law.

The disclosure of involvement in threesomes has sparked significant political turmoil for Bridget Ziegler. In response, the Sarasota County School Board, in a 4-1 vote earlier this month, called for her resignation. However, only Governor DeSantis possesses the authority to remove her from office.


“In a recent vote by the board, Nicholas Machuca, the deputy director of development at LGBTQ+ rights group Equality Florida, emphasized, ‘Now, let me be clear, participation in same-sex activities is not shameful. However, Bridget Ziegler has engaged in this while concurrently denigrating our community and actively working to implement policies that directly marginalize us. Such hypocrisy is unacceptable.”

All statewide officials, led by DeSantis, have urged Christian Ziegler to resign. The executive board of the Republican Party of Florida recently decreased his salary, censured him, and initiated a procedure to oust him in January. Reportedly, Christian Ziegler is seeking a $2 million settlement to step down.

About 300 individuals participated in a “guerrilla drag show” as a form of protest against an anti-transgender event.

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

“I dislike the necessity of being present to demonstrate our existence…yet, I also appreciate witnessing so many individuals standing up for this community,” expressed one of the performers.


Approximately 300 individuals attended a “guerrilla drag show” held this week outside an event featuring anti-transgender speakers. The anti-trans event, organized by the conservative student group Turning Point USA, occurred on Cal Poly’s campus in San Luis Obispo, California. It included speeches by de-transition advocate Chloe Cole and Canadian anti-LGBTQ+ activist Chris Elston.

Cole and Elston are currently part of a speaking tour titled “A Dad & A Detransitioner’s Take on the Transgender Movement.” Promoted by Turning Point on Instagram, the event claimed that the speakers would “explain what the transgender movement really is, the truth about it, and the myths that surround it!”

Chloe Cole, a detransitioner with right-wing views, has emerged as a strong advocate for anti-trans laws and policies. Chris Elston, known for wearing sandwich-board signs with anti-trans slogans, gained attention in 2020 and 2021 by displaying a billboard and wearing a sign that declared “I (heart) J.K. Rowling.” He also engaged in confrontations with women whom he perceived as overly supportive of trans rights.

To counter the anti-trans event hosted by Turning Point USA, the Cal Poly Drag Club organized a drag show outside the venue.

“The Drag Club stands as a beacon for the queer community and our allies. We’re appalled by Turning Point USA’s anti-trans agenda on our campus. In protest, we’re hosting a guerrilla drag show to embrace the love and queer joy present here…”

“Unlike the 300 attendees at the drag show, only 100 were present inside to hear the anti-trans speakers, as reported by San Luis Obispo’s The Tribune.”

“Video footage of the drag show captures hundreds of students cheering and dancing joyfully as they witness the performances.”


“I dislike having to be present to affirm our existence and demonstrate our pride, success, and resilience as trans individuals. However, I appreciate the overwhelming support shown by so many people for our community,” expressed Vinny Torres, drag club vice president and performer known as Skinny Mocha. “It’s a mix of emotions, but the solidarity is heartening.”


A university spokesperson responded to upset students who accused the school of insufficient action against Turning Point’s event, asserting the institution’s position.

“We acknowledge the concerns about specific guest speakers at Cal Poly,” stated spokesperson Matt Lazier. “However, it is not the university’s responsibility to determine who can or cannot share their perspectives on campus.”

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Legislation Affecting Medical Care for Transgender Youth, Reiterates Support for Transgender Youth

This blog originally appeared at Human Rights Campaign.

Gov. Evers Makes Good on Promise to Stand With LGBTQ+ Youth, Fight for Equality


MADISON, WI — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, commended Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers for vetoing AB465, legislation perceived as anti-LGBTQ+ and designed to limit healthcare options for transgender youth. Governor Evers’ veto aligns with his public pledge to uphold equality in the state and shield LGBTQ+ young individuals from discriminatory far-right policies.

Wendy Strout, HRC’s Wisconsin State Director, issued the subsequent statement:

“We appreciate Governor Evers, a crucial ally in Wisconsin’s equality struggle, for vetoing this divisive bill. It’s not a politician’s role to dictate medical decisions for constituents. That choice is exclusively between providers and families—end of story.”


In October, Governor Evers reaffirmed his support for LGBTQ+ youth on social media:


“I want LGBTQ folks, including our trans kids, to know they are welcome, wanted, and belong here in Wisconsin, and I will keep fighting every day to continue our work to build a state where they feel safe, supported, and loved being exactly who they are.”

AB465 would have compelled state medical boards to revoke the medical licenses of healthcare professionals offering life-saving, medically necessary healthcare to transgender youth. Despite transgender youth constituting a small percentage of the youth population, the care they receive is rooted in decades of clinical research and is endorsed by every major medical association in the US, representing over 1.3 million doctors.


Governor Evers’ rejection of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is the most recent instance of pro-equality leaders acting to safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals. In neighboring Michigan, the pro-equality majority in the state legislature extended current civil rights laws to ensure nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community, signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Similarly, in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed several anti-LGBTQ+ bills, including one targeting transgender individuals, pledging to veto any legislation aiming to harm children.

Non-medical politicians are overstepping by intruding on the rights of parents of transgender youth. No parent should face a situation where their chosen course of action, backed by their doctor and supported by the majority of medical experts, is forbidden by the government. This interference occurs when politicians attempt to prohibit best-practice healthcare.

THE FACTS: Gender-Affirming Care


Every reputable medical organization, representing over 1.3 million doctors in the United States, advocates for age-appropriate gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary individuals.“Transition-related” or “gender-affirming” care varies for each transgender and non-binary individual. Decisions are collaboratively made by parents, their children, and doctors. No medical interventions with permanent consequences occur until a transgender person is old enough to provide fully informed consent.

This is the reason why majorities of Americans are against criminalizing or prohibiting gender-affirming care.Recent national surveys reveal that majorities of Americans, totaling 54% in the NPR/Marist survey conducted on 3/20-23, 2023, and 53% in the Grinnell College National Survey conducted on 3/14-19, 2023, oppose “criminalizing” or “banning” gender transition-related medical care for minors. The opposition is primarily driven by Democrats and Independents, indicating that support for such bans could pose risks in a general election context.


Gender transition is a personal journey encompassing changes such as wardrobe, names, and hairstyles to align with an individual’s gender identity. Individuals have the autonomy to decide whether to use medications or undergo surgeries as part of their gender transition. The process is a personal choice made in consultation with family and healthcare professionals. Therapists, parents, and healthcare providers collaborate to determine the most appropriate changes for a child’s well-being. For many young children, gender-affirming care is primarily social in nature.

  • New name
  • New hairstyle
  • New clothing
  • None of this care is irreversible.

Transgender identity is not a recent phenomenon. While the media may portray transgender issues more prominently nowadays, being transgender is not a recent development. Transgender individuals have always existed, and their experiences persist irrespective of legislative measures. It’s important to note that the vast majority of transgender individuals remain consistent in their identity over time.

All forms of gender-affirming care are tailored to the individual’s age, deemed medically necessary, endorsed by major medical associations, and determined collaboratively with medical, mental health experts, and parents. In numerous instances, this care proves to be life-saving. Recent research from the Trevor Project offers compelling data — transgender youth with access to gender-affirming hormone therapy experience reduced rates of depression and a lower risk of suicide.

For additional information, kindly visit hrc.org/transgender, along with these additional resources:

The scheduled board meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District for December 13th has been called off.

This blog originally appeared at WDW Magic.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has not provided a reason for the cancellation of the December 13th meeting. This decision coincides with a tumultuous period for the board of supervisors, appointed by Ron DeSantis.

Supervisor Bridget Ziegler’s standing on the board is uncertain due to abuse allegations against her husband, Christian Ziegler. Bridget Ziegler, known for her association with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” bill, has faced criticism for her anti-LGBTQ+ stance despite alleged personal involvement with a woman alongside her husband. Calls for the Zieglers to exit Florida politics are increasing, raising questions about Bridget Ziegler’s status at CFTOD. As of now, the CFTOD website indicates her position on the board is in place until 2/26/25.

This week initiates court hearings in Disney’s legal action against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board.

Disney contends in its federal lawsuit that there is a “deliberate government-backed campaign of retaliation, orchestrated at every level by Governor DeSantis as reprisal for Disney’s protected speech. This campaign poses a threat to Disney’s business operations, imperils its economic prospects in the area, and infringes upon its constitutional rights.”

Ron DeSantis and the CFTOD submitted a motion to dismiss the case, scheduled for a hearing on December 12, a day before the recently canceled December 13 board meeting.

The US Supreme Court declines to hear a challenge to the ban on gay ‘conversion therapy’ in Washington state.

This blog originally appeared at Reuters.

The US Supreme Court rejects a challenge to the ban on gay ‘conversion therapy’ in Washington state.

A demonstrator waves an LGBT rights ‘pride flag’ during a gathering outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2022.

On December 11, Reuters reported that the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a petition to review a case challenging Washington state’s law prohibiting “conversion therapy” for minors. This law, enacted in 2018, aims to prevent attempts to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The case was brought by a Christian therapist who argued that the law violated free speech rights.

The Supreme Court declined to hear Brian Tingley’s appeal challenging the Washington state law on “conversion therapy.” Tingley argued that the law violated his freedom of speech under the First Amendment by restricting how he communicates with therapy clients. The court’s decision upheld the lower court’s dismissal of the case, with the state contending that it regulates professional conduct rather than speech.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented from the decision to reject the case. This marked another clash between LGBT protections and the religious rights of individuals.


In June, the court’s 6-3 conservative majority ruled that certain businesses had a free speech right to decline providing services for same-sex weddings. The liberal justices who dissented characterized the decision as a “license to discriminate.”

Tingley, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Tacoma, Washington, contends that sexual relationships outside of a marriage between one man and one woman are “inconsistent with God’s design.” He also asserts that “the sex each person receives at conception” is “a gift from God.”

The Democratic-backed law bars licensed healthcare professionals from administering therapies to minors intended to “alter an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” Violations may result in sanctions such as censure, fines, or the revocation of the professional’s license.

The law allows licensed therapists to engage in discussions or advocacy for conversion therapy, provide such therapy to adults, or recommend it to be carried out by others, including religious counselors. However, the law does not extend to non-licensed counselors operating under the umbrella of a church, religious denomination, or organization.


In a written opinion on Monday, Justice Thomas emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of gender identity and argued that the court should have considered the case. According to Thomas, Washington state’s law has effectively silenced one side of a “fierce public debate” by prohibiting counselors from assisting clients in “accepting their biological sex.”

He added, “That is pure viewpoint-based and content-based discrimination.”


He argued that there’s no evidence licensed therapists have ever employed abusive practices on children.

He argued that the law impermissibly provides the state with a free pass to censor professionals and targets individuals based on their religion.

The state argues that it has the authority to regulate the conduct of professionals, even if such regulation may impact speech. It points out that 26 states and the District of Columbia restrict or prohibit conversion therapy for minors.

Tingley filed a lawsuit against the state in 2021. U.S. District Judge Robert Bryan dismissed the case, stating that the law does not violate Tingley’s First Amendment rights because it is “rationally related” to the state’s interest in protecting the well-being of minors.

The judge’s ruling was affirmed by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022.

Tingley is being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group that has contested various LGBT protections. The same group also represented the business owner in the Colorado same-sex weddings case.

3 suspects apprehended in the killing of a Phoenix man, his family alleges he was singled out due to his sexual orientation

This blog originally appeared at NBC News.


Family and acquaintances of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon assert that they suspect he was targeted in a hate crime.

Three individuals have been apprehended in relation to the homicide of a Phoenix man from last month, a case where his loved ones claim he was singled out due to his sexual orientation, as per authorities.

The individuals are facing charges of first-degree murder in the demise of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon on November 25.

Court records indicate that the victim, Bernardo Pantaleon, was discovered deceased and unclothed in a municipal park, having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. His body was subsequently mutilated with a knife.

Law enforcement reported that the individuals in question transmitted images of Bernardo Pantaleon’s deceased body to his relatives. Subsequently, these men were apprehended on Saturday and currently remain in custody, with bond amounts ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.

Supporters and family members of Bernardo Pantaleon contend that his murder was a hate crime due to his sexual orientation and flamboyant attire. According to police investigators, the accused individuals, all in their early 20s, allegedly conspired to both rob and fatally harm Pantaleon.

Detectives reviewed social media messages exchanged between the three suspects in the days following Pantaleon’s death, uncovering discussions related to the murder.

“Some of the messages contained derogatory remarks about the victim’s sexuality and expressed discriminatory views, including a statement asserting that homosexuals are not allowed in Phoenix’s northside,” stated the probable cause statement

Police reported that all three suspects were interviewed, and each confessed to the murder. It remains unclear as of Tuesday whether any of the individuals have obtained legal representation.

California governor signs bills to enhance the state’s protections for LGBTQ people

This blog originally appeared at NBC News.

The governor of California has approved legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s safeguards for LGBTQ individuals.

Gavin Newsom during the San Francisco Pride parade in 2017.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills on Saturday, with the intention of enhancing the state’s protections for LGBTQ individuals. This action followed a contentious veto issued by the governor the previous day, which drew criticism from advocates.

The recently enacted laws encompass measures aimed at supporting LGBTQ youth. Among these, one law establishes timelines for mandatory cultural competency training for public school teachers and staff. Another law establishes an advisory task force dedicated to identifying the needs of LGBTQ students and promoting supportive initiatives. Additionally, a third law mandates that families demonstrate the ability and willingness to address the needs of a child in foster care, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized California’s commitment to maintaining comprehensive laws for the protection and support of the LGBTQ+ community. He expressed that the newly enacted measures aim to safeguard vulnerable youth, foster acceptance, and cultivate more supportive environments within schools and communities.

Governor Newsom also approved a bill mandating that schools catering to students in the first through twelfth grades must provide at least one gender-neutral bathroom by the year 2026.

The legislation was prompted by a Southern California school district that implemented a policy mandating schools to inform parents when their children alter their pronouns or use a restroom associated with a gender different from the one documented in official records. The policy was temporarily halted by a judge following a lawsuit by California Attorney General Rob Bonta against the Chino Valley Unified School District, with the legal proceedings still underway.


The governor vetoed a bill on Friday that proposed judges should take into account a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity when determining custody and visitation arrangements.

Assembly member Lori Wilson, a Democrat who authored the bill and has an adult son who came out as transgender during adolescence, was among the LGBTQ advocates expressing criticism for the governor’s decision.

“I’ve been disheartened over the last few years as I watched the rising hate and heard the vitriol toward the trans community. My intent with this bill was to give them a voice, particularly in the family court system where a non-affirming parent could have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of a child,” Wilson said in a statement.

Newsom said existing laws already require courts to consider health, safety, and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in custody cases, including the parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity.

The veto comes amid intense political battles across the country over transgender rights, including efforts to impose bans on gender-affirming care, bar trans athletes from girls and women’s sports, and require schools to notify parents if their children ask to use different pronouns or change their gender identity.

LGBTQ activists in Minnesota are urging prosecutors to categorize the killing of a trans woman as a hate crime.

This blog originally appeared at NBC News.

Savannah Ryan Williams, 38, was fatally shot at close range last month, and prosecutors recently filed second-degree murder charges against a 25-year-old man in connection with her death.


LGBTQ activists in Minnesota are urging prosecutors to classify the recent killing of a trans woman in Minneapolis as a hate crime. Additionally, they are advocating for lawmakers to enhance legal protections for a community that faces a disproportionate amount of violence.

Savannah Ryan Williams, aged 38, was fatally shot in the head at close range last month. Prosecutors recently charged 25-year-old Damarean Kaylon Bible with second-degree murder in connection with the case. Bible is currently in custody with bail set at $1 million, and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 9. As of now, there has been no immediate comment from his attorney.

According to the criminal complaint, Bible informed the police that he encountered Williams at a bus shelter near a light-rail station around 5 a.m. on Nov. 29. He claimed that Williams propositioned him for sex, and as she performed oral sex on him in a courtyard several blocks away, he began to feel “suspicious.” Bible stated that he shot her in the head from close range. The complaint mentions that from jail, Bible later confessed to his father that he had “just murdered someone.” He expressed remorse for the killing, acknowledging that he wasn’t God but felt compelled to commit the act.


It marked the second assault on a transgender woman in the vicinity of the station in the current year. In February, two individuals admitted guilt in severely beating a trans woman during a robbery. However, prosecutors determined that the motive behind that assault wasn’t rooted in bias. Additionally, the local LGBTQ community faced unrest due to an unsolved shooting at an predominantly queer and trans punk rock event in August, resulting in one fatality and six injuries.

Leigh Finke spoke at a news conference on Thursday regarding the murder of Savannah Williams in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Family members, advocates, and leaders of the Queer Legislative Caucus gathered at the state Capitol on Thursday to mourn Savannah Williams and call for enhanced protections for all individuals. They emphasized the vulnerability of trans women of color, like Williams, who face disproportionate levels of violence. Williams’ family identified her as Cuban and Native American and urged against judgment.


“Savannah should be alive today. Her death is a result of transphobia, a deadly and pervasive issue in America,” stated Democratic Rep. Leigh Finke, the first openly transgender legislator in the state, during a press conference.

The Human Rights Campaign, a proponent of LGBTQ rights, reported in its annual review last month that it had documented 335 cases of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, with at least 33 deaths in the previous 12 months. The organization highlighted that the victims were predominantly young and people of color, with Black transgender women being disproportionately affected.

“The surge in violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals is a national tragedy and a source of national shame,” stated Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign in the report.

Amber Muhm, acquainted with Williams through trans support programs, urged the prohibition of the “trans panic defense,” a practice banned in at least 18 other states but not in Minnesota.

According to the LGBTQ+ Bar, a national legal advocacy group that prefers the more inclusive term “LGBTQ+ panic defense,” it’s a strategy in which defendants blame their violent actions on their victims because of antipathy toward their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender expression. One prominent case where it appeared was the murder trial of two men who brutally beat 21-year-old college student Matthew Shepard in Wyoming in 1998 and left him tied to a fence to die.

Muhm also urged the 2024 Legislature to build upon the protections established this year for trans youth and others.

“We deeply miss Savannah, and she should be with us today,” Muhm expressed to the press. “Though our hearts are shattered, we will persist in our fight, push forward, and strive to make Minneapolis the most supportive trans community in the country.”

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that she couldn’t delve into the specifics of the case due to the ongoing investigation. However, Moriarty, who identifies as queer, emphasized that transgender individuals “deserve to live authentically and be free from threats and violence.” She pledged to prosecute the case thoroughly and fairly.

Minnesota lacks a dedicated hate crime statute, but it permits lengthier sentences for crimes driven by bias. A conviction for second-degree murder in Minnesota can result in a sentence of up to 40 years.

“If the investigation provides adequate evidence to establish bias motivation beyond a reasonable doubt, we will prosecute accordingly,” Moriarty stated.

CORRECTION (Dec. 12, 2023, 5:15 p.m. ET): In a prior version of this article and its headline, there was an error in stating when Damarean Kaylon Bible was charged. The correct information is that he was charged last week, not this week.

Federal court to review block of Arkansas’ SAFE Act banning transgender treatment for kids | KATV

This blog originally appeared at ABC On Your Side.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, located in Little Rock, has approved Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s request for a comprehensive review by the entire court (known as an en banc review). This review pertains to a prior court order that had prevented the enforcement of the Save Adolescents From Experimentation Act (SAFE Act).

A federal court will review a lower court’s block of Arkansas’ SAFE Act, which bans transgender treatments for minors in the state.

The SAFE Act, a law in Arkansas, restricts doctors from administering transgender treatments, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, or surgery, to minors.

Arkansas stands as the first state to make such an attempt to implement such a ban.

In August 2022, a three-judge panel from the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a judge’s decision to temporarily halt the enforcement of the 2021 law.

In June 2023, U.S. District Judge Jay Moody issued a permanent injunction against the Arkansas law, deeming it unconstitutional.

In a historic decision recognizing the importance of the defense of the SAFE Act, the Eighth Circuit has granted initial en banc review. I am very pleased with today’s order as it allows my office to continue fighting to protect our state’s children from dangerous medical experimentation,” Griffin said in a press release.

Dylan Brandt speaks at a news conference outside the federal courthouse in Little Rock, Ark., July 21, 2021. Brandt, a teenager, is among several transgender youth and families who are plaintiffs challenging a state law banning gender-confirming care for trans minors. The nation’s first trial over a state’s ban on gender-confirming care for children begins in Arkansas on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, the latest fight over restrictions on transgender youth championed by Republican leaders and widely condemned by medical experts.

Two other federal courts of appeal have already allowed similar laws protecting children from experimental gender-transition procedures in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama to go into effect. I thank Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni, Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs and their team for the great work to secure this order for initial en banc review,” Griffin said.

Muslims in Kenya protest at Supreme Court over its endorsement of LGBTQ right to associate

This blog originally appeared at The San Diego Union – Tribune

Nairobi, Kenya (AP) — In the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, hundreds of Muslims gathered for a rally outside the Supreme Court on Friday. They were protesting the court’s recent decision to uphold the right of the LGBTQ community to associate, asserting that the ruling endorsed what they deemed immoral behavior. Their demands included calls for certain justices to resign.

After Friday prayers, a protest unfolded in Nairobi, with participants displaying signs that attributed the verdict to ‘Neo Colonialists’ and called on three of the five judges who supported the majority decision to ‘Repent and Resign.’ Some conservative Christians were also present at the protest.

The court’s decision last month reiterated a prior ruling, affirming that Kenya’s Non-Governmental Organization Board had discriminated against LGBTQ individuals by denying their association registration. The two dissenting judges opposed the ruling, citing Kenya’s laws that criminalize same-sex relationships.

Legislator Mohamed Ali conveyed to The Associated Press that Kenya is a predominantly religious nation, emphasizing the need for the court to respect this aspect of its culture and society.

“Islam and Christianity are against gayism,” he said. “Our country’s constitution doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages. Three people in a court should not go against the societal values.”

Following the ruling, President William Ruto acknowledged his respect for the court’s decision. However, he also highlighted that Kenya’s culture and religious beliefs do not align with same-sex relationships.

The LGBTQ community in Kenya frequently faces discrimination and persecution, including instances of both physical and verbal abuse.

Across the border in Uganda, an anti-LGBTQ law was enacted in May, imposing the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality cases. This category includes same-sex sexual relations involving a minor or other vulnerable individuals, as well as cases in which the perpetrator is infected with HIV.

In Kenya, a legislator named Peter Kaluma has introduced a similarly stringent law in the national assembly. This proposal is currently under review before it proceeds to the House for debate.

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑