By Homosexuality is an act that is seriously condemned in Nigeria. Recently, more than 40 men have been arrested in Nigeria over the homosexual acts. Reports confirmed that they are due to appear in court soon. Homosexual acts are punishable by up to 14 years in jail in Nigeria, while gay marriage and displays of same-sex affection are also banned.
Many Nigerians are excited with the recent arrest. Speaking with a patriotic Nigerian, David Shalom, he completely condemned the act:
“Being a gay is bad, animals both domestic and wild do no such thing. However humans that were supposed to be in control, are the ones doing the opposite. If it was good, God would not create the opposite sex.”
Nigeria has an influential Christian evangelical movement in the south and strong support for Islamic law in the north, both of which oppose homosexuality. Another Nigerian, Odesile Gbolahan also condemned the act saying it is a religious abuse:
“Homosexual people to me are God’s greatest enemies because they are trying to say God didn’t create and organise the world well”
Since Nigeria passed a law criminalising same sex marriage and gay organisations in 2013, law enforcement agents have cracked down on people suspected of homosexuality. However, arrests are infrequent as homosexual people live in hiding.
In addition, another concerned Nigerian, Femi Adesoba laments on the act stating that it is really a bad idea:
“Homosexual is a hindrance to human existence – it hinders PROCREATION. How do we expect to be fruitful and multiply if the same sex partner engages in sexual act? Gay people live in fear and cannot openly express their sexual orientation. They are not protected by any law so they face discrimination which make me happy.”
Similarly, Northern states under Sharia – Islamic religious law – have the death penalty for people convicted of same-sex offences which in other states carry a 14-year jail term. However, the country has had a ban on gay relationships since 1901, and in 2013 also outlawed same-sex marriages , gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.
Reports have confirmed that same-sex relations are explicitly banned in 72 countries, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). The number of states that criminalise same-sex relations is decreasing annually, though, with Belize and the Seychelles repealing such laws last year.
Nigerians are really happy with the strong fight against homosexuality in the country. Many believed it is unethical and should be completely eradicated in the country. The Nigerian government has received numerous commendations on their efforts in making sure that Nigeria becomes a homosexual free country.