nigeria broadens anti-gay bill

Source: PlanetOut Network

April 18, 2006: A far-reaching Nigerian legislative proposal criminalizing same-sex marriages and LGBT organizations has been expanded to include punishing people who support or celebrate same-sex unions.

According to the Vanguard newspaper, the bill imposes a five-year jail sentence for those who violate the proposed law, including those who "witness, celebrate with or support couples involved in homosexual relationship." It also invalidates same-sex marriage licenses legally conferred in other countries.

The bill received its first reading in the Senate on Tuesday in the capital, Abuja, the newspaper reported.

 "For the avoidance of doubt only marriage entered into between a man and a woman under the Marriage Act or under the Islamic and customary laws are valid and recognized in Nigeria," states one section of the bill.

 The bill aims to cover nearly all visible suggestion of homosexuality, including publicity that involves same-sex relationships, advocacy groups and any public event or parade focused on gay couples.

 President Olusegun Obasanjo has drawn criticism from international human rights advocates over the proposal.

 "This draconian measure will only intensify prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation," said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. "The bill criminalizes public expressions of love and any defense of lesbian and gay rights, denying fundamental freedoms that should be enjoyed by all Nigerians."

 Last month, Human Rights Watch and several other groups sent a letter to Obasanjo urging him to disavow the bill, which flouts international law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights that ensure rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.