Religious Leaders Raise Concerns Over 'LGBTQ Content' in CBC School Books

A file photo of Religious Leaders speaking in Kenya during a Press Conference
A file photo of Religious Leaders speaking in Kenya during a Press Conference
Photo
NCCK

Religious leaders, on Thursday, raised alarm over the alleged presence of LGBTQ+ content in the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) textbooks. 

Speaking at a conference at Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, the clerics petitioned Parliament to launch a probe into the infiltration of LGBTQ+ content in schools. 

According to the leaders, some books including one used by Grade 4 students promote content centred around same-sex relationships

“The Kenyan curriculum has also unfortunately seen the infiltration of the LGBTQ agenda,” read the statement in part.

PS Julius Bitok and other religious leaders after the Maisha Namba engagement forum.
PS Julius Bitok and other religious leaders after the Maisha Namba engagement forum.
Photo
Interior Ministry

“The agenda is being pushed in books and study material. A specific example in one of the Grade 4 books that has less than a subtle depiction of same-sex relationships,” added the leaders drawn from Christian and Islamic associations. 

In addition to the CBC books, the religious leaders urged Parliament to also take action on all international curricula undertaken by students in Kenya. 

“International basic education curricula have also taken the form of open access to LGBTQ material. Urgent action must be taken by Parliament to ensure that all Kenyan children studying a variety of international curricula are not swayed by this infiltration," read the statement.

The Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) have yet to respond to the claims by the religious leaders

Further in their petition, the religious leaders condemned the Supreme Court’s ruling which authorised Kenya's NGO coordinating board to register the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC). 

The board had declined to register the commission claiming it 'promotes same-sex behaviour'. 

According to the judges, barring the commission from registration was discriminatory and unconstitutional as it would limit its right to associate. 

Religious leaders, however, warned that if not remedied, the ruling would lead to a negative impact on the family unit in the country.

“If this judgement is not remedied, there will be a drastic negative impact on the family in Kenya. It sets the pace for the legalisation of same-sex unions in Kenya”, read the statement in part. 

They also emphasised that their statement was in defence of the traditional values and customs that a vast majority of Kenyans hold in high regard.

Learners participate in practical classes under the CBC
Learners participate in practical classes under the CBC
Photo
Edumin
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