UN Rights Chief Blasts Nigeria Over Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The UN rights chief, Navi Pillay, Thursday said Nigeria’s recent ban on same-sex marriage violated human rights and the nation’s constitution.

“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.

Comedian Ali Baba Blasts Celebrities Over New Anti-Gay Law In Nigeria

The recently signed anti-gay bill by President Goodluck Jonathan has led to tongue wagging in both local and foreign scenes and many of the Nigerian celebrities have expressed their thoughts on the various social media platforms. The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison, bans every gay marriage, same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups.

YOU ARE A CELEBRITY, CLAIMING TO SUPPORT GAY RIGHTS. THATS GOOD FOR YOU, BUT IF EVERYONE NO BORN, WHO GO BUY YOUR PRODUCTS FOR MARKET?
— ALI BABA AKPOROBOME (@ALIBABAGCFR) January 16, 2014

IF YOUR PARENTS WERE GAY, WOULD YOU BE HERE FIGHTING FOR THE NON EXISTENCE OF THE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD COME AFTER YOU? NONSENSE
— ALI BABA AKPOROBOME (@ALIBABAGCFR) January 16, 2014

Top Comedian, Ali Baba took to twitter to air his views on the matter. Ali Baba declared his support for the law, stressing, “anyone who supports gay practice is mocking God’s existence.”
He further dissed the celebrities that wrote against the law. 
See his tweets below:


Gays WorldWide Mobilise For Action Against Nigeria Because Of Same Marriage Prohibition Law

Gays all over the world are mobilising for actions against Nigeria over the Same sex Prohibition law signed by President Goodluck Jonathan. The leading gay nation on earth, the USA has already voiced its concern. According to the Secretary of State, John Kerry in a statement:

“The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria’s enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Beyond even prohibiting same-sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association, and expression of Nigerians. Moreover, it is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 Constitution.

People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love. We join with those in Nigeria who appeal for the protection of their fellow citizens’ fundamental freedoms and universal human rights.”

President Goodluck Signs Same Sex Prohibition Bill Into Law

In spite of protests from some countries, President Goodluck Jonathan has signed Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 into law. Some foreign embassies were shocked by the development leading to ‘curious’ inquiries from the Federal Government.  But despite the inquiries, the Federal Government said there is no going back.

The signed bill says the gays in Nigeria will however risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage.  Also, any person who operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year imprisonment. Those who administer witness, abet or aid the solemnization of a same sex marriage are going to bag 10-year jail term.

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Nigerian Senate Bans Same Sex Marriage in Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has officially banned same sex marriage in Nigeria. Man + Man = Not allowed. Woman + Woman = Go to prison. Only a union between a man and a woman in a recognized worship center is allowed.

The new bill states;

1. A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex by virtue a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria.2. Marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnized in any place of worship either Church or Mosque or any other place whatsoever called in Nigeria.3. Only marriage contracted between a man and a woman either under Islamic Law, Customary Law or the Marriage Act is recognized as valid in Nigeria.4. Persons that entered into a same sex marriage or civil union contract commit an offense and are jointly liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment each.5. Any persons or group of persons that administers, witnesses, screens, abet and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage contract or civil union or supports the registration, operation of gay clubs, societies and organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offense and liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.

The bill awaits the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan.

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Nigerian House of Representatives Approve 14 Years Imprisonment for Same Sex Marriage

Nigerian lawmakers have approved a bill banning same-sex marriage, setting jail terms of up to 14 years for offenders. The measure backed by the House of Representatives also makes it illegal to form gay groups or organisations.

The bill - which was adopted by the Senate in 2011 - is now expected to be sent to President Goodluck Jonathan to be singed into law. It is already illegal to have gay sex in Nigeria, and homosexuals say they often suffer abuse.

The proposed bill also envisages prison sentences up to 10 years for anyone who participates in gay clubs or organisations. A number of other African nations have already made homosexuality punishable by jail sentences.