An Anglican priest in Kenya has sided with LGBT advocates in a lawsuit against the state's alleged discriminatory laws which the community says is inhibiting liberties of gay people in the country, according to a report by Religion News Service.
Rev. Mark Odhiambo of Maseno South diocese, and four other plaintiffs including two gay men and two lesbians are fighting a case in Kenyan court claiming that they are vulnerable to violent attacks, and are not treated fairly by government authorities.
One of the female plaintiffs was gang-raped, assaulted, and arrested, while a male plaintiff was denied HIV medicine because he was gay.
Odhiambo said that gay people are subjected to both physical and sexual violence.
"I serve in the city and I have seen many of them facing serious challenges because their sexual orientation does not conform to that of the general society," he said.
However, the Anglican community in Kenya vehemently rejects homosexuality. Bishop Julius Kalu of Mombasa criticized Odhiambo, telling Religion News Service that he thinks that Odhiambo is working on the case for monetary benefits.
However, the lawsuit is not demanding compensation for abuse or discrimination, but only seeking protection of rights of people under the country's laws.
Meanwhile, the Anglican Church of Kenya is purging clergy suspected of involvement in homosexual activity.
Five priests were investigated on suspicions of engaging in sex with other men, and were found guilty. They are now prohibited from serving in any Anglican Church in the country.
Their names were not disclosed by the church, as they are given the right to appeal, repent, and reform.
"It has been our desire to resolve this issue as a church through the established structures without blowing the whistle. However, it must be noted that the Anglican Church of Kenya and particularly the Diocese is totally against any kind of gay practice and marriage," said Bishop Joseph Kagunda from Mt. Kenya West diocese.
Kagunda said the five priests were investigated after "a young man came seeking prayers for deliverance from a guilty conscience after he was lured into participating in homosexual activities by one of our senior clergy."
