File photo Nigeria has introduced a bill that would jail its gay citizens and anyone who supports them if it becomes law. The bill would make it a crime for gays and lesbians to get married, to witness a gay marriage, or for churches to perform a gay wedding. Gays and lesbians who marry will face 14 years in prison. Any public displays of affection, such as holding hands, or even looking at each other affectionately could result in a 10-year jail sentence. Supporters could also face jail time. “The spread of HIV in the country is fuelled by the growing stigma and discrimination of people, and a legislation as this will only make it more difficult to provide services to our highly productive youth burdened by the epidemic, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity,” says Oliver Anene, Coordinator of the Initiative for Improved Male Health. “We humbly implore our law makers to really consider the long-term consequences of this bill on the social security of our youth.” Executive Director of the world’s largest LGBT organisation Andre Banks says the bill is an on not only gays and lesbians, but on straight Nigerians. "Basic freedoms like the freedom to assemble, the freedom to worship as one chooses, and the freedom to love are under attack by the Nigerian government. No one is safe from this dangerous bill - it is a distraction from real problems and must be stopped." Last year Nigeria's Senate passed a similar bill, but after 65,000 All Out members joined Nigeria's fair-minded citizens by calling for an end of the bill, it did not move forward. All Out has launched a new online campaign in coordination with Nigerian citizens who are fighting to stop the "Jail the Gays" bill once again – which you can sign here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 17th November 2012 - 10:56am