Voices from Nigeria

Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders speak out about the Same-Sex Bill

Published by: International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), November 2006
Via: Siyanda

In January 2006, the Nigerian Minister for Justice presented to the Nigerian Federal Council a bill that would create criminal penalties for anyone engaging in same-sex marriage or relationships, and which launches a vigorous attack on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. If this Bill becomes law, anyone who publicly advocates for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people (LGBT) would be a criminal. Anyone forming or taking part in a gay or lesbian club or support group would face arrest. Critical HIV preventions efforts that target same-sex practicing men would be jeopardised as a result of the silencing effect of this legislation. This document gathers together the testimonies of eight LGBT Nigerians on the effects of discrimination and homophobia on their lives and the likely effects of the Same Sex Bill. The legislation is currently under debate by the Nigerian Parliament.
(http://www.iglhrc.org/files/iglhrc/reports/Voices_Nigeria.pdf)