This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
Leaders from various Christian denominations have expressed strong opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill, which they claim normalizes underage sex and promotes dangerous provisions.
On June 28, 2020, at Biblica grounds in Nairobi, the Kenya Christian Ministers Forum, comprising members of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, urged the Senate to reject the bill when it resumes next week.
“There are provisions in the bill that we find problematic and dangerous if approved into law. The bill should be shelved to allow for more consultations. We appeal to Members of the National Assembly and Senate to reject this bill,” said Bishop Kepha Omae, Presiding Bishop of Redeemed Gospel Church.
The clergy argue that the bill, if passed, would allow children between the ages of 10-17 to receive and use contraceptives, procure safe abortion, and introduce Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) that teaches sexual pleasure as a right.
“We find this to be wicked and abominable,” said Omae. “Teaching sexual pleasure as a right would automatically create perverts who will engage in masturbation, same sex relationships, rape, bestiality, incest, teenage sex,” he added.
The proposed law, sponsored by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, is silent on gay couples or singles as well as a child’s right to know its biological parents when they reach the age of 18.
