File Photo Amnesty International is urging Nigeria's president to reject a bill that would outlaw same-sex marriage and criminalise displays of affection between gay couples, while Uganda's anti-gay bill is being described as "the worst in the world". Discrepancies in the two drafts passed by the upper and lower house of Parliament in May have been cleared up and the bill is now ready for President Goodluck Jonathan to sign into law. "This discriminatory bill, which not only criminalises same-sex marriage but also makes public displays of affection and even socialising in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex community illegal, must be rejected by the President," says Amnesty International's Africa Deputy Director Aster van Kregten. "If the President signs the bill into law it would make Nigeria one of the least tolerant societies in the world and have catastrophic consequences for the country's LGBTI community and human rights organisations." Uganda also has a draconian anti-gay bill which needs its President’s signature to pass into law. It makes way for ‘repeat offenders’ to be jailed for life. Uganda gay rights activist Frank Mugisha says the legislation is "the worst in the world” and he is urging President Yoweri Museveni not to sign it into law. "It will open a new era of fear and persecution," he says. "If this law is signed by President Museveni, I'd be thrown in jail for life and in all likelihood killed." Meanwhile support group Spectrum Uganda has released a chilling list of ‘security tips’ amidst fears the passing of the legislation will spark some kind of homophobic ‘hunt’. “Do not isolate yourselves and avoid dark areas or paths that lead you to a place,” “Avoid retaliation when attacked or provoked,” “Master at least two telephone contacts of person you think can respond or inform your Organization or someone you trust ASAP,” and “Avoid blind dates or ask a person to come with you, meet in a public area and not in private or dark places,” are among the pieces of advice it’s offering.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 22nd December 2013 - 8:26am