Kenya Anti-LGBT+ Law Economic Losses
An Economic Impact Estimated at $7.8 Billion
A proposed law aiming to toughen sanctions against the LGBT+ community could cost Kenya up to $7.8 billion per year, according to a study by the British NGO Open for Business, published on Wednesday, March 26. This estimate includes losses in international funding, a decline in foreign investments, and reduced tourism revenues.
A Repressive Bill Awaiting Debate
Named the Family Protection Bill, the proposed law suggests prison sentences of up to 50 years for same-sex relationships. Introduced in 2023, the bill has not yet been discussed in Parliament but could be debated this year. Homosexuality is already illegal in Kenya under a rarely enforced colonial-era law, yet the country is still seen as a relative safe haven for LGBT+ individuals fleeing persecution in neighboring states.
Growing Stigma
Despite this relative tolerance, discrimination and stigma remain prevalent, with increasingly homophobic rhetoric, particularly encouraged by some religious leaders and populist politicians, according to Open for Business’ report.
If the bill were to be passed, the NGO estimates that it could cost the country between $2.7 billion and $7.8 billion per year due to several factors:
- Loss of World Bank funding
- Reduction in foreign aid and investments
- Negative impact on tourism
- Exodus of many LGBT+ individuals
Read also: Kenya, the Next African Country to Pass an Anti-LGBT Law?
Lea también : Impacto económico de las leyes anti-LGBTQ en Kenia
Negative Consequences for the Economy and Investment
Dominic Arnall, CEO of Open for Business, warns about the effects of such legislation:
“Anti-LGBTQ+ laws harm a country’s investment prospects, global reputation, and prevent businesses from attracting top talent.”
Precedents in East Africa
The study highlights that the World Bank suspended loans to Uganda after the adoption of an extremely harsh anti-LGBT+ law in 2023, which includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”. This legislation has caused Uganda to lose between $586 million and $2.4 billion annually.
Other countries in the region are also facing economic consequences due to discriminatory policies:
- Tanzania: estimated losses between $247 million and $1.1 billion per year
- Rwanda: more moderate losses, ranging from $12 million to $45 million, due to less restrictive legislation
If Kenya were to pass the Family Protection Bill, it could face similar sanctions, jeopardizing its economic growth and international standing.
source : https://boutique-lgbtqia.fr/kenya-loi-anti-lgbt-pertes-economiques/
Español 
English
Deja una respuesta