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Quick Facts: A Look At Nigeria’s New Anti-Gay Legislation

Quick Facts: A Look At Nigeria’s New Anti-Gay Legislation

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There has been widespread scrutiny and dismay over Nigeria’s new anti-gay legislation, signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan in January. Given that it’s such a hot button issue, here are some quick facts that explain the details of the law, and what it means for the Nigerian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.

Sources: TheGuardian.com, WashingtonPost.com, BBC.co.uk, HuffingtonPost.com, Advocate.com

YNaija.com
YNaija.com

Gay marriage is banned

Unsurprisingly, the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act bans gay marriage. It’s the cornerstone of the law, but is only just the beginning.

BET.com
BET.com

Those who attempt to enter a same-sex union may face up to 14 years in jail

The bill states, “Persons who enter into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union commit an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 14 years in prison.”

Ekekeee.com
Ekekeee.com

It is illegal to be a member of a gay-related group

This includes membership to, operation of, or participation in gay clubs, societies, or organizations.

PlagueofMice.Anarchist-Teapot.net
PlagueofMice.Anarchist-Teapot.net

Activists may also face imprisonment

Those who attempt to push for civil rights for the LGBTQ community are also in danger of jail time. Even doing research on homosexual practices is now illegal in Nigeria.

SABC.co.za
SABC.co.za

Same-sex ‘amorous relationships’ are banned

Beyond entering into any type of union or contract, same-sex relationships themselves are now illegal and involved parties face jail time upon conviction. This has also led to a “witch hunt” of sorts, in which mobs have attacked suspected gay people in their communities.

Vice.com
Vice.com

Public displays of affection by gay men and women are criminalized

The law states, “Any person who…directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offense and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison.”

YNaija.com
YNaija.com

Sodomy is punishable by jail time

This has been on the books in Nigeria for some time, as well as in numerous other African nations, but the new legislation reinforces the law. There have also been instances of public whippings and beatings for those suspected of sodomy.

AllAfrica.com
AllAfrica.com

It is illegal to provide services to men and women perceived as gay

While this also includes activism groups and civil rights groups, it has been expanded to encompass organizations that provide HIV services to gay men and women. Any organization that specifically tries to target homosexual communities to provide HIV/AIDS assistance is now operating illegally.

DailyMaverick.co.za
DailyMaverick.co.za

The decision to sign the bill was influenced by upcoming elections

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been facing opposition from the Northern Nigerian states and their Muslim majorities that operate under Shariah law. It’s thought his signing of the bill was a strategic move to appeal to those groups.

America.Aljazeera.com
America.Aljazeera.com

Britain and other Western countries have threatened to cut foreign aid

While this tactic has been applied before on countries such as Uganda and Malawi that attempted sweeping anti-gay legislation, it may not be as effective in Nigeria. With 2 million barrels of oil output daily, Nigeria is somewhat insulated from foreign influence.