President Goodluck Jonathan has signed a law (“Jail-All-The-Gays” Bill) that bans same-sex marriage and criminalizes homosexual associations, societies and meetings, with penalties of up to 14 years in jail.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act on Monday that was signed by President Goodluck Jonathan and dated Jan. 7.
It was unclear why the law’s passage has been shrouded in secrecy. The copy obtained from the House of Representatives in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, showed it was signed by those lawmakers and senators on Dec. 17, though no announcement was made.
Yesterday the United States of America slammed Nigeria for approving a law that punishes same-sex marriage/union.
Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday the United States was “deeply concerned” by a law that “dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association, and expression for all Nigerians.”
It is now a crime to have a meeting of gays, or to operate or go to a gay club, society or organization.
“If that bill passes, it will be illegal for us to even be holding this conversation,” Olumide Makanjuola, executive director of the Initiative For Equality in Nigeria told AP in a recent interview.
The new law says, “A person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies or organizations, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years.”
Anyone convicted of entering into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.-
It is now a crime to have a meeting of gays, or to operate or go to a gay club, society or organization.
“If that bill passes, it will be illegal for us to even be holding this conversation,” Olumide Makanjuola, executive director of the Initiative For Equality in Nigeria told AP in a recent interview.
The new law says, “A person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies or organizations, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years.”
Anyone convicted of entering into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.-
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