Nigeria: World's Worst Anti-Gay Law May Pass Soon

[MelissaB]

Nigeria: World's Worst Anti-Gay Law May Pass Soon

by Doug Ireland; DIRELAND; February 22, 2007
One of the most sweeping anti-gay bills ever introduced in any parliament in the world is in danger of rapid passage in Nigeria in the coming weeks. Although billed as a ban on same-sex marriage, the proposed law includes provisions that would make any expression of homosexuality -- not only sexual conduct but any homosexual inclination or reference -- in public or in private, a crime.

This draconian, far-reaching piece of homophobic legislation provoked a full-throated outcry from the globe's entire human rights community when it was introduced last year, and for a while it had been dormant. But now the bill has been fast-tracked for speedy passage in advance of Nigeria's national elections in April, and the BBC's correspondent in the country's capital of Abuja reported last week that "it is likely to be passed by both chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly by the end of March."

Homosexual conduct among consenting persons in Nigeria is already a crime punishable by 14 years in prison, a 19th century penal provision that is a legacy of British colonial rule. But the new legislation goes much, much further in terms of curbing fundamental rights of expression, association, and communication. Among the proposed new law's many noxious provisions, it would, under penalty of a stiff prison term of five years:

-- outlaw membership in a gay group, attending a gay meeting or protest, donating money to a gay organization; or even advocating gay equality in any way, shape, or form;

-- outlaw hosting or even visiting a gay Web site;

-- outlaw expressions of same-sex love in letters or e-mails;

-- outlaw attending a same-sex marriage or blessing ceremony, screening or watching a gay movie, taking or possessing photos of a gay couple, and publishing, selling, or loaning a gay book or video.

Even mere socializing by two or more gay people, like having dinner together, is likely to be interpreted as illegal.

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals would be targeted not only for specific acts but also for simply existing under this proposed law, and even heterosexual people who "promote" the lifestyle of homosexuals, for example by selling them a house, would be criminalized.


More here and a bush reference to boot :http://www.zmag.org/content/print_article.cfm?itemID=12180§ionID=1

[MelissaB]

1. I'm sorry. This is an old article.

I just looked at the date.

[krispos42]

2. Oh, that's right, it's 2008

:rofl: I missed that at first as well!

[iamjoy]

3. Some Here Are Jealous

I am sure that there are many in this country who see nothing wrong with such laws and wish we had them here. That's what is really scary.

[terrya]

4. Whether this is an old article or not, this is chilling beyond words.

This is a blatant abuse of human rights. Shameful.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

5. NIGERIA is ONE of the MOST CORRUPT COUNTRIES in the WORLD

The whole country is a house of cards, with kickbacks, bribes, corruption, religious intolerance and oppression all of which is kindle for a fire. Oil is keeping the country afloat but none of it is trickling down to the people. It's the Middle East all over again.

[Siyahamba]

6. Confidential Business Proposal

Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information gathered from the Nigerian Chambers Of Commerce And Industry, I have the privilege to request your assistance to transfer the sum of $47,500,000.00 (forty seven million, five hundred thousand United States dollars) into your accounts. We must secure these funds outside our borders until our nation is safe from the scourge of homosexuality.

We are now ready to transfer the fund overseas and that is where you come in. It is important to inform you that as civil servants, we are forbidden to operate a foreign account; that is why we require your assistance. The total sum will be shared as follows: 70% for us, 25% for you and 5% for local and international expenses incidental to the transfer.

Please reply urgently.