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.