“I’m concerned with the implication of the recently-passed Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act,” Pillay said during a meeting with Nigeria’s justice minister as part of her three-day official visit to Africa’s most populous nation.
“In addition to the violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), it is a violation also of the African Charter and the Nigerian constitution itself,” she said.
Nigeria has been under fire internationally for banning gay marriage and alleged abuses while tackling Islamist insurgents in the north of the country.
President Goodluck Jonathan had in January approved a bill banning gay marriage and same-sex partnerships that sparked international condemnation.
Under the terms of the law — criticised by the EU, US and Amnesty International among others — anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage or civil union can be sentenced to 14 years in prison.
“It (the law) may have negative consequences for public health in Nigeria,” the UN chief said.
“It may deter LGBT persons from taking up HIV education, prevention treatment and care services and also hinder the ability of government as well as civil society and religious groups from implementing such services.
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