Vulnerability in Kenya’s 2023 Family Bill: A queer Afro-feminist lens on Micah 6:1–8

Abstract

This article examines the intersection of religion, spirituality and legal frameworks within Kenya’s patriarchal society to explore the resilience and vulnerability of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (sometimes also Ally) (LGBTQIA+) communities. Using a queer Afro-feminist hermeneutical lens, the study situates these communities as central to discussions of justice and mercy, highlighting their lived realities in the face of systemic oppression. The critique focuses on the Kenya Family Protection Bill (2023), interrogating its implications for marginalised groups and assessing its alignment with the ethical imperatives of Micah 6:1–8. The calling of Micah 6:8 for justice, mercy and humility serves as a theological foundation for re-imaging societal and legal structures. This article argues that while African religious and spiritual contexts often reinforce patriarchal norms and marginalisation, they also hold the potential to foster resilience and dismantle oppressive systems when interpreted through life-affirming and sex dignity perspectives. Engaging the dual themes of vulnerability and resilience, enables one to see how biblical justice and mercy can inform more equitable societal and legal practices. A queer Afro-feminist lens amplifies the voices of marginalised communities, challenging exclusionary interpretations of religion and law.
Contribution: This article calls for safe, inclusive dialogues to re-image African realities where advocacy for the vulnerable, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, becomes integral to the pursuit of justice, mercy and compassion.