Adrians journey from a promising marketing career in Uganda to seeking asylum in Kenya began with his father, a prominent Muslim businessman in Kampala. His father accused him of dishonoring his family, lunging at him with a knife, and leaving him with deep scars. In Uganda, LGBTQ people face constant harassment and violence, making headlines for being targeted with violence and having their lives put in peril. U.S. President Joe Biden criticized Uganda's anti-LGBTQ law as a "tragic violation of universal human rights," and groups like Family Watch International continue to be criticized for promoting anti-LGBTQ sentiment in various African countries, despite denials.
Avoiding Conflict
Adrian spoke with CNN from a secure house in Nairobi, where he and four other asylum-seekers from Uganda found refuge. CNN agreed to use a pseudonym to protect his identity, given the serious threats to his safety. "We live in fear today, and if I go out and they notice I'm LGBTQ, I will die sooner or later," Adrian shared.
However, the number of Ugandans seeking asylum in Kenya has grown since the passage of one of the strictest anti-LGBTQ laws worldwide, with attacks and deaths increasing following the imposition of fines and legal penalties in May. Biden denounced the law as a violation of universal human rights, and has called for its repeal.
A prominent U.S.-based organization, Family Watch International, has long been accused of fomenting anti-LGBTQ sentiment in several African countries. CNN has been investigating Family Watch International and its founder, Sharon Slater, for contributing to a series of homophobic incidents in Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana. The group has repeatedly denied these claims.
Family Values Agenda
International Family Watch claims its mission is to "protect and promote the family as the fundamental unit of society." They oppose educating young people on LGBTQ topics, sexual health, and other matters they consider a threat to the "natural family," and engage in lobbying efforts at the United Nations, in the United States, and other countries. The organization has connections with influential politicians who advocate for anti-LGBTQ legislation, and Slater has held or addressed numerous conferences and public events on the issue throughout Africa.
Conservative groups in the United States often support policies in Africa, as reported by CNN in the past. However, it is debated if organizations like the World Congress of Families, another influential right-wing American group, played a role in suppressing the LGBTQ community in Ghana, including influencing propaganda against the LGBTQ+ community and promoting a controversial draft legislation. The World Congress of Families denied any involvement.
Anti-LGBTQ Legislation in Africa
The anti-LGBTQ legislation in several African countries is not solely driven by American evangelical groups but has also historical roots in colonial-era anti-sodomy laws, which persist in some areas. In Nigeria, a law criminalizing same-sex relationships adopted in 2013, with penalties up to 14 years of imprisonment. In Uganda, a similar law, widely criticized for promoting abuse and hate speech, was signed into law in 2014, but subsequently overturned in court due to international pressure and aid withdrawals.
More recently, African politicians have started pushing for new generations of anti-LGBTQ legislation, disguised as "family value" initiatives and featuring harsh penalties for queer individuals and their allies. Ghana is poised to adopt one of its strictest laws, the "Rights and Family Values Bill," following a Supreme Court decision in July, despite widespread opposition from human rights groups and activists.
In Uganda, being convicted of homosexual activity now carries life imprisonment or the death penalty, facing criticism for promoting violence against LGBTQ individuals and receiving strong support from members of parliament. Ugandan activists and civil society groups are currently challenging the law in court.
Well-connected Friends
The 2023 anti-LGBTQ conference in Entebbe, Uganda, offered a symbolic example of Family Watch International's international influence. Photos from the conference feature prominent representatives from Family Watch International and its founder, Sharon Slater, posing with Uganda's President. The conference took place just a few weeks before Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the anti-LGBTQ law in May.
Despite denying involvement, Family Watch International's delegate said they played a crucial role in organizing the Entebbe conference.
While Family Watch International denied any involvement, it was revealed by an inside source that the group provided assistance and pushed parliamentary members to support the bill and drafted provisions for the bill.
CNN interviewed Slater at a United Nations meeting in November, who dismissed the accusations as laughable, claiming to possess documents proving her innocence. Eventually, a representative from Family Watch International shared a deeply homophobic letter from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's office, praising Slater's work and countering accusations of involvement in the anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Family Watch International has publicly opposed the death penalty and life imprisonment for LGBTQ individuals and does not support the recently passed Ugandan law, according to a Kenyan youth leader with close ties to the organization.
The Symbolic Significance of Family Watch International
The alleged connection between Family Watch International and the anti-LGBTQ legislation in Uganda has raised serious questions about the influence of U.S. organizations on human rights issues in Africa.
Conclusion
African LGBTQ individuals continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, legal protection, and much-needed support services. Their struggles are magnified by powerful religious and political forces, including influential U.S.-based groups, which promote anti-LGBTQ agendas. The courage and resilience of LGBTQ activists and allies around the world remain essential in advocating for justice and equality in the face of persistent discrimination and violence.
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The text contains two sentences with 'world' and 'africa':
- The question of whether U.S.-based nonprofits are involved in promoting anti-LGBTQ laws in Africa has caused a stir in the global community.
- The story of Adrian, a LGBTQ Ugandan man seeking refuge in Kenya, is emblematic of LGBTQ struggles in Africa and the global efforts to support their rights.
Enrichment Data:
Through interviews and research, it has been established that Family Watch International, a notable U.S.-based organization, has been connected to various anti-LGBTQ campaigns and events in certain African countries. The precise role and influence of Family Watch International in these campaigns remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Impact of U.S. Foreign Aid Policies
- Suspension of Foreign Aid: The suspension of foreign aid by the U.S. has led to significant challenges and uncertainty for organizations focused on LGBTQ rights and health issues in Africa.
- PEPFAR and USAID: The withdrawal of funds from organizations like the Africa Queer Network in Uganda, which relies on funding from PEPFAR and USAID, has disrupted critical HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs for LGBTQ individuals.
- Local Reliance on Foreign Aid: The reliance on International funding for healthcare services exposes vulnerabilities in local healthcare systems and poses challenges to sustaining essential services when there are policy changes.
Global Response
- Recalibrating Strategies: The global response includes reassessing strategies and prioritizing efforts to promote LGBTQ rights in areas where they face targeted attacks.
- Funding Disparities: Efforts to equalize funding between pro-LGBTQ and anti-LGBTQ groups are underway. There is a significant disparity in funding between organizations promoting LGBTQ rights and those pushing for anti-LGBTQ policies.
- International Support: International support for LGBTQ rights remains a priority, including global organizations' cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by LGBTQ communities and advocating for their rights.
There is no explicit mention of Family Watch International in the provided text, but based on the context and the aforementioned enrichment data, some connections can be inferred.
