church backs nigeria’s anti-gay bill

By Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Reporter)

NIGERIA – 18 March 2009: The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Reverend Peter Akinola has lauded the Same Gender Marriage Prohibition Bill which aims to do away with homosexuality in Nigeria.

In a paper, recently submitted to the Nigerian Parliamentary Committee, stating the Church’s position, Akinola demonstrated his support for this controversial bill which seeks to punish whoever enters into a same gender union in Nigeria.

“The introduction of this bill at this stage of national development is one of the best things that have happened to us as a nation”, he said.

He further cited the urgent need for the passing of this bill to ensure, what he calls “a continued existence of Nigeria.” 

“Outlawing it [homosexuality] is to ensure the continued existence of this nation. The need for doing this is urgent, compelling and imperative. The time is now”, Akinola demanded.

Nigeria has been under fire recently, following an alleged string of human rights violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.

Reporting at the recent United Nations Universal Periodic Review, held in Geneva on 2-13 February, Amnesty International pointed out human rights violations in Nigeria, also recommending that Nigeria repeals all legislation which could directly or indirectly result in the discrimination, prosecution and punishment of people, solely because of their sexual orientation.

It is at this meeting where Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Madueke denied existence of homosexuals in the country.

Akinola also rejected recommendations from international bodies saying that their interference compromises the sovereignty of Nigeria.

 “Nigeria is a sovereign state and has the right to make laws that will regulate the life of her citizens. It will amount to reducing her status as an independent nation if laws made in other lands are imposed on her.”

He further challenged the legalization of homosexuality on the basis of human rights arguing that human rights should not contravene the word of God.

“Those who argue for the legalization of this unwholesome practice on the claims of human rights must first of all recognize and respect the right of God to order his creation the way he wants it. Human rights therefore should not infringe on the right of God to remain God.”

In a blog Director of Changing Attitude (CA), a network that works for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender within the Anglican Communion, Reverend Colin Coward said Nigeria could be focusing on more pressing issues than focusing on same sex relations.

“In my knowledge of Nigeria, there might be more pressing things that would benefit the nation."

Early this year, the Nigerian House of Representatives voted in favor of the Same Gender Prohibition bill.

Despite ongoing public hearings by the Nigerian National Assembly and strong opposition from gay rights activists, the bill is mostly likely to be made law, as its support gains momentum.