December 28th 2023.
A recent investigation by CNN has revealed that a popular U.S.-based nonprofit, Family Watch International, is allegedly supporting anti-LGBTQ bills across Africa. This organization is operated by Sharon and Greg Slater, who are now facing accusations of “actively responsible for exporting, financing, and spreading hate, homophobia” in Africa.
A Change.org petition has been launched to call out the Slaters and their organization for promoting oppressive laws against homosexuality in Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana. Sharon has denied these accusations, claiming that she and her organization are simply pushing “family values” during virtual and in-person conferences across the region.
However, activists are pointing to a photo taken in April 2023 of Sharon and her organization staff posing with the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who signed strict anti-gay legislation into law just weeks after the photo was taken. This is just one example of the Slaters’ work with African lawmakers to pass oppressive legislation. In May 2023, Uganda approved laws that issue harsh penalties for homosexuality, including death and life sentences in prison. Ghana is also home to dangerous anti-gay legislation, including the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill”, which encourages citizens to out members of the LGBTQ+ community to the police.
President Joe Biden has openly criticized these laws, calling them “a tragic violation of universal human rights.” The Southern Poverty Law Center has even gone as far as to label the Slaters’ organization as a “hate group.” Kenyan non-profit Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health is leading the Change.org petition, claiming that Family Watch International has sponsored trips for African politicians and diplomats to “train them on their extremist agenda against homosexuality, sexuality education and reproductive rights.”
Sharon has denied these allegations, telling CNN that she had nothing to do with the laws pushed in Africa. “I have documents I can show you later that I have not been involved in any of those laws, period, it’s just absurd,” she said. Intel Corporation, for which the Slaters are both founders, has released a statement emphasizing their commitment to diversity and respect for their employees’ opinions.
It is clear that this situation is far from resolved, and the devastating effects of the Slaters’ and Family Watch International’s actions cannot be ignored. African citizens are facing oppressive laws, and the international community must take a stand against such injustice.
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