Gay Nigeria News & Reports 2009-10

From James Ojo, Abuja
House of Representatives yesterday unanimously voted for outright ban of same sex marriage anywhere in the country, as the Bill “for an Act to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith” scaled through without any opposition.

Sponsored by Hon. Mayor Eze, deputy chairman, House Committee on Steel, all the lawmakers who spoke in favour of the Bill demanded for an outright ban on such acts. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Igo Aguma, chairman, House Committee on Gas Resources, Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari, chairman, House Committee on Steel, Hon, Chinyere Igwe, deputy chairman, House Committee on Human Rights and Tahir Monguno, all condemned such marriage, saying that it was immoral, against African tradition and God designs for human being.

Hon. Tahir, for instance, noted that the act depicts moral decadence in any given society and a digress from God’s purpose of creating marriage institution, stressing that such act as stated in both Islam and Christian religions remain ungodly act. For Hon. Igo Aguma, he argued that “it is against my faith to have same sex marriage. It is against our penal code to even engage in activities that are as quarrelsome as this between man and man, as well as women and women. “It is time for us at this point in time to think back and look at the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The greatest means of transmitting this disease is through the act of ‘sodomy’. Young children are already victims of been lured into this cruel and unimaginable act. It is an act of perversion.”

Also speaking in favour of the Bill, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa noted that the Bill was extensively considered at public hearing before the expiration of the last administration. She added that a public hearing had been organized to collate peoples’ views and opinion, adding that it was a general view that “the act should not be encouraged in Nigeria,” while calling for the reports of the public hearing to be a guide in the final decision of the House. Speaker Oladimeji Bankole put the Bill to vote to be read for the second reading, it was carried and the Bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Justice and Women Affairs.

January 21, 2009 – PinkNews

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MEPs demand end to foreign aid to Nigeria over gay marriage ban

by Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk
The European Parliament’s Intergroup on gay rights has responded to moves to criminalise same-sex marriage in Nigeria by calling for a suspension of EU aid. Last week the House of Representatives in Nigeria voted unanimously in favour of a new legislation that "prohibits marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith." Representatives said that both Islam and Christianity, the prominent religions in Nigeria, condemn homosexual acts.

The Intergroup is sending a request to the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid to evaluate the financial support given to Nigeria unless the state homophobia in the country is terminated. Nigerian law states that anyone who has "carnal knowledge of any person against order of nature or permits a male to have carnal knowledge of him" can be imprisoned for 14 years.

In 2007 the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill was debated in the Nigerian Parliament but did not proceed. It called for imprisonment for any person who "goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person of the same sex", anyone who helps them and any gay clubs or organisations.

January 26, 2009 – PinkNews

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Nigeria urged to drop proposed new law against gay relationships

by Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk
New legislation in Nigeria that would punish gay and lesbian couples for living together has been condemned by human rights groups in the country and internationally. In a letter to President Umaru Yar’Adua, leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission urged them to reject the bill. Earlier this month the House of Representatives approved the second reading of a bill “to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender.”

The bill would punish people of the same sex who live together “as husband and wife or for other purposes of same sexual relationship” with up to three years of imprisonment. Anyone who “witnesses, abet[s] and aids” such a relationship could be imprisoned for up to five years.

“This bill masquerades as a law on marriage, but in fact it violates the privacy of anyone even suspected of an intimate relationship with a person of the same sex,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “It also threatens basic freedoms by punishing human rights defenders who speak out for unpopular causes.”

The House of Representatives referred the bill to its Committees on Human Rights, Justice, and Women Affairs, which will hold a joint public hearing on it. If the House approves the bill on a third reading, it must then be approved by the Senate and President Yar’Adua. HRW said the proposed five-year sentence for those who “abet” a same-sex relationship is greater than the punishment stipulated in the bill for those who enter into a “same gender marriage.”

This provision could be used to punish anyone who gives any help or advice to a suspected “same gender” couple – anyone who rents them an apartment, tells them their rights, or approves of their relationships. Advocates, civil society organisations, and human rights defenders would be ready targets. Similar concerns were raised in a joint public statement issued by the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute, Nigerian nongovernmental organisations, and Amnesty International.

January 26, 2009 – PinkNews

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Nigeria urged to drop proposed new law against gay relationships

February 16, 2009 – PinkNews

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Nigeria tells UN that gays don’t exist in their country

by Tony Grew
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs has told a UN review of human rights in the African nation that there is no gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community in his country. Ojo Madueke was addressing the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UNUPR) on Human Rights in Geneva. During the two-week session, which ended last Friday, interactive discussions were held between the states under review and the Working Group, comprised of the 47 members of the Human Rights Council, and observers.

"As we have indicated in our National Report, we have no record of any group of Nigerians who have come together under the umbrella of Lesbian, Gay and Transgender group; let alone to start talking of their rights," Mr Madueke said in his UNUPR address on February 9th. During our National Consultative Forum, we went out of our way to look for the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Group but we could not come across Nigerian with such sexuality. If they are an amorphous group, then the question of violence against them does not arise let alone negotiating special rights for them."

Nigeria’s offical report to the UN states: "Sexual minorities are not visible in Nigeria, and there is no officially registered association of gay and lesbians. No sexual minority or their representatives attended the Forum. However, in spite of this the issue was brought up at the Forum, and the views of more than 90 per cent of the participants was that Gay-Lesbian relationship or same-sex marriage was not a human rights issue in Nigeria. The laws of Nigeria recognise marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. However, like every democracy, those who want a change in the existing laws have to come out and lobby for the change they desire."

In January Nigeria’s House of Representatives approved the second reading of a bill "to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender." The bill would punish people of the same sex who live together "as husband and wife or for other purposes of same sexual relationship" with up to three years of imprisonment. Anyone who "witnesses, abet[s] and aids" such a relationship could be imprisoned for up to five years. The Young Humanistas Network of Nigeria has accused Mr Madueke of being "economical with the truth in his attempts to cover the track of gross human rights violations being perpetrated by the government of Nigeria."

"He seems to have forgotten that the National Assembly backed by some of the executive council members are currently preparing to enact a law criminalising homosexual activities," the group said. The Humanists said that in 2003 Dare Odumade, of the Alliance Rights Nigeria, organised a Nigeria National Homosexual Conference, which was well attended by over one hundred Nigerians. They also pointed to the arrest of Rev. Macaulay, a gay pastor, and the continued disruption of activities at his church in Lagos as another example of "gross violations and torture of the LGBT community in Nigeria."

The group has called on the Foreign Minister to tender "an unreserved apology to the LGBT individuals in Nigeria." and said Parliament should drop the homophobic bill. Amnesty Inernational said the proposed law, which would require the approval of the Senate and the President, violates the rights to freedom from discrimination, freedom of private and family life, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of association, guaranteed in the Nigerian constitution and by human rights treaties.

Concerns were raised in a joint public statement issued by the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute, Nigerian nongovernmental organisations, and Amnesty International. The European Parliament’s Intergroup on gay rights has called for a suspension of EU aid to Nigeria.

"The only result this law is going to achieve is a raising hatred against gay, lesbian and transgender citizens of Nigeria," said Michael Cashman, Labour MEP and President of the LGBT Intergroup. I do not understand how legislators in such a big and diverse country can be so cruel and indifferent to millions of their own people who are already such a marginalised and oppressed minority in their country." The Intergroup is sending a request to the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid to evaluate the financial support given to Nigeria unless the state homophobia in the country is terminated.

Nigerian law states that anyone who has "carnal knowledge of any person against order of nature or permits a male to have carnal knowledge of him" can be imprisoned for 14 years.

February 26, 2009 – ukgaynews.org.uk

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US State Department Criticises Russia, Serbia for Breaches of Human Rights of Gays – Human Rights Report praised by Moscow Gay Pride Organisers

Washington – Russia is condemned for breaches of human rights in the US State Department’s annual Human Rights Report, published yesterday. And human rights for gay men and women are highlights by the cases of continued bans on Moscow Gay Pride. The report also criticises other countries, like Serbia and Nigeria, for their attitudes towards gays. In the section on Russia, a large part of the report is given over to the human rights situation in the North Caucasus, highlighting cases of kidnapping, tortures, and killings of civilians. And the report points out that quite often the Russian special services are involved in these crimes.

On gay rights issues, the report says:
On June 1, after a number of gay rights activists were repeatedly denied permission to hold parades, gay pride organizers held two demonstrations in Moscow. Organizers had announced that the demonstration would take place across the street from the mayor’s office, and police and counter-protesters gathered there to confront them. However, the organizers secretly notified participants of a different location and, in contrast to the banned parade in 2007, a short march took place largely free of violence. The human rights ombudsman criticized the mayor’s policy of denying permission for gay parades. In October, the Moscow City Court upheld a ruling by the Tverskoy District Court banning 10 marches that were part of the gay parade.

While homosexuality is not illegal, the gay community continued to suffer societal stigma and discrimination. Medical practitioners reportedly continued to limit or refuse their access to health services due to intolerance and prejudice. According to recent studies, male homosexuals were refused work due to their sexuality. Openly gay men were targets for skinhead aggression, which was often met with police indifference. A few gay rights organizations operated out of public view. The law does not provide for increased penalties for violence motivated by sexual orientation. In March, two youths killed a man in Sverdlovsk Oblast whom they perceived to be a homosexual. Both individuals were arrested and remained under investigation. There was no update in the case at year’s end.

On June 1, gay pride activist Alexey Davydov was assaulted while addressing reporters at the Moscow Gay Pride event. Members of the National Slavonic Union pushed to the ground and severely beat Davydov. The police managed to arrest the attackers, although police also detained Davydov and sent him to the same police station along with the attackers. There were reportedly no charges filed against the perpetrators. The report also cites the 2007 Moscow Gay Pride: “In May 2007, participants in a Moscow gay rights demonstration were assaulted by counter demonstrators. Security forces did not protect the demonstrators and arrested approximately 25 gay rights activists”

It is not the first time that the US State Department has highlighted the violation of Freedom of Assembly for the LGBT community in Russia, and in particular the bans of the Moscow Pride events. But Nikolai Alekseev pointed out that the issue of Freedom of Assembly for gays and lesbians was not only in Moscow: “Whether in Moscow, Tambov, Liski, or anywhere, freedom of assembly does not exist in Russia for LGBT people,” he said this evening. “It’s already a turnaround that a report on human rights dedicates a large part to LGBT issues. This is a great reward for our fight of freedom of assembly that GayRussia and Moscow Pride have started in 2005 already. In 2009, we keep fighting,” he added.

Elsewhere in the Human Rights Report, there is criticism of Serbia and Nigeria for continued problems suffered by gay men and women. But the report recognises improvements in Latvia and Poland.

Serbia
Violence and discrimination against homosexuals was a problem. A comprehensive survey of societal perceptions of homosexuality and attitudes towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population, conducted in February and March, showed that the dominant opinion was that homosexuality is a disease and represents a threat to society. Several Serbia-based Neo-Nazi web sites and Facebook pages hosted anti-LGBT forums and groups. During the Eurovision song contest in May, the right-wing youth group Obraz organized squads that patrolled Belgrade to protest against the “street conference of gay-lesbian groups”. The group stated it would not tolerate any public promotion of “evil”, but there were no reported incidents. On September 19, a group of approximately 20 youths wearing surgical masks and hoods attacked participants in a gay rights festival in Belgrade. Several participants suffered minor injuries, while an U.S. citizen suffered a broken arm and concussion. According to press reports, the police reacted swiftly, arresting two of the attackers and filing criminal charges. There was no further information available at year’s end.

Latvia
After denying a permit in 2006, authorities issued, for a second year, a permit for a gay pride parade in Riga. While the parade was held on May 31, its organizers questioned the extremely high level of security measures taken by authorities, which organizers believed discouraged participation and limited visibility of the event.

Poland
During the year there were some reports of skinhead violence and societal discrimination against persons based on their sexual orientation. On April 25, an estimated 1,000 persons took part in Krakows annual gay March for Tolerance to call for an end to prejudice against homosexuals. The event took place without major incident; organizers noted that, for the first time, they were not forced to change their route and could march through the city’s main square. A small counter-demonstration was organized by the All Youth and National Rebirth of Poland activists. Some hooligans threw eggs, stones and bottles at march participants; six people were detained by police. In May 2007 the UN Committee Against Torture raised concerns over violence and hatred against homosexuals in the country. On June 7, Warsaw authorities allowed the annual Equality Parade to take place in the city center for the third consecutive year. Approximately 2,000 local and international gay rights advocates participated in the march without serious incident. Some 100 members of the All Poland’s Youth and National Radical Camp staged a counterdemonstration, but there was no direct confrontation between the two groups due to police protection.

Nigeria
Homosexuality is illegal under federal law; homosexual practices are punishable by prison sentences of up to 14 years. In the 12 northern states that have adopted Shari’a law, adults convicted of engaging in homosexual intercourse are subject to execution by stoning, although no such sentences were imposed during the year. Because of widespread taboos against homosexuality, very few persons were openly homosexual. On September 12, local newspapers Nation, Vanguard, PM News and the Sunday Sun published photos, names, and addresses of members of the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered-friendly church in Lagos. Following publication, persons started harassing the 12 members. One woman was attacked by 11 men, while others were threatened, stoned, and beaten. No investigation was initiated by year’s end.

The full US State Department’s Human Rights Report can be read HERE.

March 7, 2009 – ukgaynews.org.uk

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Gay Rights Activists Prepare for Nigerian Anti-Gay Bill Hearing – Same-Gender Marriage Prohibition Bill in National Assembly

Lagos – Nigerian gay rights activists and mainstream human rights organizations are intensifying their campaign against the Same-Gender Marriage Prohibition Bill at the forth-coming public hearing on the Bill. The Bill was passed into the lower chamber of the National Assembly at its second reading and currently sits on the laps of the Joint Committee on Human rights, Justice and Women’s Affair. Led by The Independent Project for Equal Rights (TIP), gay rights advocates plan to voice their opposition to the bill and press for legal protection of sexual minorities at the hearing. Nigeria is among the world’s most dangerous environment for open advocacy for rights of homosexuals.

“This current bill is more draconian than the 2006 bill as it discreetly aims to target human rights defenders through which I am affected along side my colleagues in human rights activism,” said Joseph Sewedo Akoro. He points out that the bill will fuel human rights violation on the grounds of perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity expression in the country.

The public hearing on the same-gender marriage prohibition bill is now scheduled to be held on Monday (March 11). The bill will receive lots of discussion, after which it may – or may not – be passed by the lower chamber. If passed, the bill we go through the same process at the upper chamber before it is passed to the President for assent.

TIP is mobilising a group of human rights organisations to attend the public hearing, to give presentations against the bill and inform the House of Representatives the potential effect of the bill to national development and their obligation to maintain peace and orderliness in the country if the bill is passed.

Human rights groups are concerned that the Bill will criminalise sexual minorities and their advocates

March 2009 – BBC News

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Nigeria gay activists speak out

Nigerian gay rights activists have told the country’s lawmakers that a new bill to outlaw same sex marriage would lead to widespread human rights abuses. The new law would mean prison sentences for gay people who live together, and anyone who "aids and abets" them. The plea by activists was made to a public committee of the National Assembly which is discussing the bill. It is already illegal to have gay sex in Nigeria but the new law would extend police powers to arrest suspects.

"This bill is not necessary, we see no reason why people should be criminalised," Rashidi Williams, 23, of the Queer Alliance of Nigeria told the committee. "I did not choose to be gay. It is trial enough to live in this country, we should not create more laws to make us suffer," he said.

‘Fabric of society’
Under the new law anyone who has "entered into a same gender marriage contract" would be liable to be jailed for three years. The bill defines a same sex marriage as gay people living together. “ If you are not careful and allow the institution of the family to break down, the consequences will be on all of us ” Mayor Eze, Nigerian National Assembly member Anyone who "witnesses, abet and aids the solemnization" of a same gender marriage would face five years in prison, or a fine.

Activists say the law does not make sense because anyone who aides and abets people to live together would face a tougher sentence than the couple concerned. The law would make it easier for the police to arrest suspects, and criminalise anyone working in a human rights organisation that dealt with gay rights, they say. Church groups spoke in favour of the bill, saying that gay marriage risked "tearing the fabric of society".

"In the Bible it says homosexuals are criminals," Pius Akubo of the Daughters of Sarah church told lawmakers. Rev Patrick Alumake told the National Assembly the top leadership of the Catholic church in Nigeria supported the bill wholeheartedly. "There are wild, weird, ways of life that are affecting our own culture very negatively, we have people who either by way of the media or travelling around the world have allowed new ideas which are harmful to our nation and our belief," he said. The bill’s sponsor, House of Representatives member Mayor Eze, said the bill was necessary to protect the family. "If you are not careful and allow the family institution to break down, and the consequences will be on all of us," he said.

‘Abomination’

Children wearing T-shirts that said "Same sex marriage is un-natural and un-African", and "same sex marriage is an abomination" stood in the aisles of the committee room. Ekaette Ettang, of the Daughters of Sarah church who provided the T-shirts, denied they were inciting hatred against homosexuals. "We don’t hate gay people, but this is the public’s opinion and we have the right to speak," she said.

Activists say gay people in Nigeria face violence from their families and neighbours every day. Two years ago, a woman went into hiding in the northern Kano State after reports that she had organised a wedding for four women – which she strongly denied. Also that year 18 men were arrested in the northern city of Bauchi and accused of participating in a "gay wedding". A Sharia court dismissed the charges and they were charged with the lesser offence of vagrancy.

May 18, 2009 – Behind The Mask

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NGOS Seek Recognition For Homosexuals, Lesbians And Gays

Source: 234next.com
Nigeria – Two non-governmental organisations in Lagos urged the three tiers of government to stop discriminating against homosexuals, lesbians and gay people. Officials of The Independent Project for Equal Rights (TIPER) and The International Centre for Sexual Reproductive Rights (INCRESE) made the appeal at a news briefing. They explained that the briefing was part of their preparation for Sunday’s celebration of the annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). They regretted that discrimination on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity had become a major concern for human rights organisations in Nigeria.

Mrs Dorothy Aken Ova, Executive Director of INCRESE urged the protection of the fundamental rights of homosexuals and lesbians. She also urged the enlightenment of Nigerians to enable them to realise that gays had a right to life. “Research findings have shown that four per cent of the world population is gay and should be recognised by government through adequate representation, good education and acceess to the basic necessities of life. These people, though in the minority, did not create themselves. They should, therefore, enjoy the right to live their lives. The public must learn to respect them for who they are because if we begin to feel bad for one another, we will be calling for the destruction of some people, thus inviting genocide,” she said.

Ova noted that homosexuals, lesbians and the gay formed part of the electorate that voted for the various governments, charging them to take care of them. She urged the Federal Government to domesticate the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Mr Joseph Akoro, an Executive Director of TIPER, also urged the Federal Government to consider its commitment to the protection of all Nigerians from all forms of discrimination. He said the NGOs were collaborating to create awareness about the existence of gays in the country.

Mr Victor Ogbodo, a member of the NGO, said the society would benefit more from accepting them. “If they are accepted by the public for what they are, there will be less marital problems because members of the opposite sex will have known before getting married to them. But if the society fails to accept them now and the issue begins to rear its head after marriage, we may only just be postponing the evil day,” he said.

Ogbodo charged the government to protect the rights of all its citizens since the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians were enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. He said that the groups were not considering sponsoring any bill at the National Assembly on the issue for now, “but we will begin to kick against any further restriction on our rights. “In future, should the need arise for us to sponsor a bill on their behalf, we will surely do so,’” he added.

19 June 2009 – Nigerian Tribune

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Tradition of Same Gender Marriage in Igboland, Nigeria

by Leo Igwe, Executive secretary of the Nigerian Humanist Movement
One of the contentious issues in the debate over homosexuality and same sex marriage is whether a marriage between persons of the same gender is totally alien to African culture and tradition. Those opposing same sex marriage have continued to argue that same gender union is foreign to Africa. On the contrary, I have tried to draw their attention to the fact that there is a strain of the same gender marriage in African tradition particularly in Igboland. And that we should not rush to deny this, or pretend it does not exist or just sweep it under the carpet in the quest to establish that same gender marriage is alien to the African continent, and must be banned.

I hail from Mbaise in Imo State in Southern Nigeria. Traditionally, in my community, marriage is taken to be a union between a man and a woman as the case may be. But there are circumstances where a marriage between a woman and a woman is permissible. In a situation where a woman has no son or no child, if the husband dies, it is culturally allowed for her to marry a wife. And in this case, she becomes the husband. Like in every case of marriage, this woman goes out, inquires and gets a wife of her choice. She pays her dowry and fulfills other traditional rites as it is done when a man is marrying a woman.

After that, the woman brings her "wife" home and they start living together as "husband" and "wife". Nobody frowns at it. To have children -both the "woman- husband" and "woman- wife"- will agree to allow a man from the same village or neighbouring town to sleep with the wife. And the children born by the wife bears the family name of the woman- husband, not that of the man responsible for the pregnancy. I want to add here that the man who sleeps with such wife in most cases are married men. And normally it is regarded as immoral, in fact it is a taboo for a married man to sleep with or "father" children from another woman. But in this case an act normally taken to be immoral is allowed.

This is a situation where people are permitted to break taboos and deviate from traditions. This marriage practice pre- dates Christianity and the so- called western culture which most people today blame for all the moral and cultural wrongs in Africa. The same gender marriage is still practised till date. In other words, there are some families today in Igboland where women are both husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. There are some homes where woman- husbands are living happily with their woman- wives. Though there are not many of such families or marriages. Such unconventional marriages and families are in the minority. The fact is that they exist. The fact is that they are part of the local tradition and culture. They are not imports from the West. And this has in no way undermined social cohesion, public order and morality or family values.

Some people have tried to argue that this is not really a case of gender marriage because a man comes in to impregnate the wife. But, traditionally, it is the case and it is known as such. It is a case where a woman marries a woman. The man who impregnates the wife does not come into the picture at all. He has no family responsibility. His duty is only to supply sperm. The family is responsible for the woman- husband and wife.Some say that same gender unions destroy family values and undermine the upbringing of children.

It should be emphasised that children in this case are brought up in an environment where both "parents" are females. And they grow up to be normal children. Some say because child bearing is involved, then it is not same gender marriage. But my response is this: whether for procreation or for pleasure, it is same gender marriage. And it is the couples, not the state that decides whether to marry for procreation and or for pleasure or for any other purpose they deem fit. Unfortunately, most Nigerians think that same gender marriage is antithetical to procreation. It is not. In fact same gender unions as in this case enrich family values. There have been instances where a partner in a same gender relationship wants children, and goes ahead to have them.

Because of the secrecy, privacy and hypocrisy that go with sexual expression, no one can really say, if these female partners have or do not have sex with each other. But like all couples they live together and run their families. But today, things are changing. Individuals are becoming more open, more assertive and expressive with their sexual and marriage choices, desires, orientations and identities. The sexual and marriage dynamics are changing rapidly. And Africans must make the necessary social, cultural and legal adjustments in response to- and to accommodate- these changes.

June 10, 2009 – Global Voices Online (blog)

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Homosexuality is perceived as a new phenomenon in Africa and a taboo. It is outlawed in many African countries. Many African leaders have condemned homosexuality as being un-African. The Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe once described gays as worse than dogs and pigs. Former Namibia’s President, Sam Nujoma, once stated that “Homosexuals must be condemned and rejected in our society.”

Nigeria introduced a bill in 2007 banning same sex marriage. According to Rod 2.0 the bill is the most comprehensive homophobic legislation ever proposed in the world. Early this year homosexuals in Nigeria stormed the National Assembly seeking for legislation that will guarantee the protection.

Lifestyle, culture and religion have become the invisible fence to many homosexuals in Africa barring them from their freedom of sexual expression. A Kenyan blogger, Wilde Yearnings, was quite optimistic after US President Barack Obama officially declared June being a gay pride month and decriminalizing of homosexuality all over the world earlier this month. He posted Obama’s speech on his blog:

"My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world…Now, Therefore, I, Barak Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists" …

12 June 2009 – Behind The Mask

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Congress Of Families Decries World Support For Gay Rights

by Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Reporter)
Nigeria – Homosexuality has been cast as a Western moral decay that should not be adopted, at the recent World Congress of Families (WCF)’s “Dialogue of Civilizations” held in Abuja on 5-7 June 2009. Themed “Plan of action on family in Africa” the dialogue, among other things sought to restore family values in the African continent. At this first African conference issues such as abortion, contraception, smaller families and homosexual rights were discussed but strongly condemned.

Speakers at the first WCF event also reportedly decried what they called “attempts by international agencies and Western aid-givers to force abortion, contraception, smaller families and homosexual rights” on Africa. “I reminded them that these are the values of Western elites, and that authentic Western values, based on Judeo Christian morality are the very opposite of those promoted by the UN and European Union”, Don Feder, Communications Director WCF said.

According to WCF “natural family is the fundamental social unit inscribed in human nature and centered on the voluntary union of a man and a woman in the life long covenant of marriage.” While the Nigerian government is seemingly mum LGBTI issues, religious and anti-gay organisations are doing their utmost best to cast out homosexuality. At this year’s 56th Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) General Church Council annual meeting, the council condemned the increasing rate of homosexuality and gay marriages in society and described the practice as an open confrontation with God’s natural standard of living and procreation.

Prior to this, Rev Peter J. Akinola of the Church of Nigeria issued a position paper lauding the pending Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill, stating “The presence of gay churches, fellowships and clubs in Nigeria is not only embarrassing but also very unhealthy.” While it looks like there has not been any progress on the proposed Same Gender Marriage Prohibition Bill which seeks to criminalise gay marriages, the LGBTI community is still living in isolation and constant fear.

Homosexuality in Nigeria is currently criminalised under chapter 42, section 214 of the Penal Code and under Sharia Law sodomy and adultery are criminalised.

June 24th, 2009 – Black Looks

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3 gay men arrested and paraded on TV

by Sokari
Three homosexuals were arrested today by the Edo State police command in Benin City, Nigeria.They were paraded like common criminals and displayed on television. The command Public Relations officer has said they would be charged to court as homosexuality is a criminal offence in Nigeria.

No more information yet….

July 4, 2009 – revrowlandjidemacaulay.blogspot.com

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Rashidi – Fighting For His Rights

I first read about Rashidi Williams online when he was fighting for the rights of the Homosexuals just as the National Assembly was about to pass a bill prohibiting Gay marriages and relationships. I was impressed at the fact that a 24 year old guy was moved and passionate about the fight against the bill being passed. I was particularly impressed that he, being a voice of Gay people in Nigeria, was given the chance to speak by the leaders of this nation. This to me was a sign of democracy.

Who really was this Rashidi Williams?
A young agile, learned, Laboratory Technologist, fighting a passionate cause of bravery (in my opinion) against all odds and deciding to brace discriminations, the derogatory words, the sneers, the stares and the ‘bad-mouthing’ that he is bound to experience. Rashidi, as he describes himself is, “a simple, outspoken individual who dares to tread where others refuse. Most of all, he declares, “I am openly GAY”. Read Up On His Interview:

How does it feel to be a gay activist in Nigeria?
Very challenging, especially as a young person. Most people think I am too young for this and probably do not know what I am doing. But there is one sure bet and that is, I know what I want for myself and my community.

Do your parents know you’re gay? If yes, how did they react when you told them or when they found out?
Yes they do, but have not come to accept me fully as a gay man. But I know they will one day look me in the eyes and say I am proud of you child.

Are there other homosexual activists in Nigeria?
Sure I am not alone in this and not everyone who speaks out against to discrimination we face as sexual minorities are sexual minorities themselves.

Do you associate yourself with other homosexual activists within or outside Nigeria?
Yes I do associate myself with other activists in the country.

August 24, 2009 – http://revrowlandjidemacaulay.blogspot.com

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Update Nogeria "The Bauchi Case"

by Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay
Update on the Bauchi Case: 18 men are still awaiting trial for various charges relating to homosexuality in the Northern Bauchi State in Nigeria, Bauchi State is one of 13 States strictly under Sharia Islamic laws, the men continue to receive the support of a local church which considers its mission to be radically inclusive, affirming and welcoming to gay people, the case which began following their arrest on 5th August 2007, was again adjourned on the 28th July 2009 to the 8th October 2009, to avoid any seating during the Ramadan season. The court have failed to seat for many adjournments over the past two years, on the last occasion 17 out of the 18 men attended the hearing, however there was a riot in the city of Bauchi, not related to the trial but unfortunately the 18th person lost his uncle in the fight and was unable to attend court.

November 30, 2009 – Behind the Mask

13
Research Suggests MSM Community Spreads HIV/AIDS In Abuja

by Mongezi Mhlongo
Nigeria – A research study conducted in Abuja, Nigeria by The Centre for the Right to Health (CRH) has shown that the MSM population has contributed to the national prevalence of HIV/AIDS in that country, a factor that has long been overlooked according to the center. The CRH research discovered that “majority of the respondents had sex without condoms and didn’t feel the need to use such and more than half of the respondents had lost a partner or friend as a result of HIV/AIDS.”

“Discrimination and ignorance from society is a major factor, and makes it difficult for MSM’s to seek service as seeking they are scared of being discriminated against which explains the high prevalence of AIDS amongst MSMs”, said Ifeanyi Kelly Orazulika, Executive Director of Alliance Rights Nigeria.

“The fact that homosexuality is widely ignored in Nigeria is having a negative impact on the spread of AIDS in the country”, revealed CRH. CRH mentioned that finding participants for the study proved intricate as many MSM were not out therefore not easily identifiable but Orazulika said these result paints a clear picture of the current pandemic.

“The research is very much true and depicts the truth about the pandemic and I participated in the research myself”, said Orazulika. Orazulika said the HIV/AIDS prevalence amongst MSMs in the city of Abuja stands at 13.5 and 25 percent nationally a figure which he declared as high.

CRH further highlighted that results which came from the research showed that the MSM community lacked useful information on sexual reproductive health and access to HIV integrated services. With the dubbed draconian, Same Gender Prohibition Bill still pending and with the government remaining mum about passing it into law, amongst other things, speculation is that these could be attributed to the lack of visibility amongst the MSM population.

Nessa Dennis, a human rights defender from Nigeria rubbished such claims, adding “personally, and as an LGBTI community member and also as one of the team member that was present at the public hearing on the Same Gender Prohibition Bill, I would say that the MSM/LGBTI community is very visible. There are many incidents that made national news concerning unlawful arrests and torture and violation of LGBTI rights that prove that LGBTI/ MSMs exist in Nigeria.” “The LGBTI community is underground right now, holding monthly meetings to give support to each other. The community is not safe therefore they are trying to be invisible so as not to spark up controversies that might speed up the passing of the Same Gender Prohibition Bill”, she said.

To conduct this research CRH received funding support from The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) the drivers behind the MSM Initiative, which seeks to “support and empower grassroots MSM organisations, build understanding and awareness of HIV epidemics among MSM, and advocate for effective policies and increased funding.” “A dire need for services providing MSM specific information on HIV transmission and prevention and health care services aimed at impact mitigation is thus urgently required”, suggested the CRH.

Echoing the same sentiments, Program Development Officer at CRH, Abimbola Onigbanjo at a recent stakeholders meeting held in October said, “Homosexuality remains criminalised in over 80 member states of the United Nations, including Nigeria. And with the recent trial and sentencing of gay men and other men who have sex with men in Senegal, these laws continue to be enforced”, she said. The LGBTI community hasn’t yet thrown the towel with regards to accessing services as there is seemingly commitment from local NGOs towards MSMs in Nigeria.

“I think organisations like, FHI, Population Council, SFH, partnering with smaller organisations like ARN, MAN and TIP, are already working towards reaching MSMs by organising peer education trainings, workshops and seminars to educate on the proper use of condom and the dangers of multi partnering”, said Dennis.

Human Rights activist, Leo Igwe of Nigeria, said “there is a need for public education and reorientation to correct so many erroneous views about LGBTI’s. We should not wait for the bill to be sent to the parliament before doing something. There is a need for a human rights approach to LGBTI issues. Encourage and support religious groups that welcome homosexuals”, “The state and the entire society should treat them with dignity and respect. Decriminalize homosexuality and stop treating MSMs as criminals and social outcasts, the gay witch hunt must be stopped”, added Igwe

Meanwhile different NGOs, The Independent Project for Equal Rights (TIP), Youth Are Taking (YAT), Leaders with New Dimensions (LEND) and Gbagyi Child in Nigeria are partnering to on World AIDS Day, 01 December 2009, to campaign against stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/ AIDS, MSMs, Female Sex Work, Injection Drug User and Young People, the campaign is themed “working together against HIV stigma and discrimination.” Alliance Rights Nigeria is a citizens based NGO founded 1999 to promote and defend the interests and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Nigeria through the eradication of various forms of persecutions, violence, stigma and discrimination.

February 12, 2010 – Human Rights Watch

14
Nigeria: Acting President Should Address Abuses – New Leader Should Act Boldly on Violence, Corruption, and Lack of Accountability

(Dakar) – Nigeria’s acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, should take immediate and concrete steps to address large-scale violence, endemic corruption, a lack of accountability for abuses, and other pressing human rights problems in Nigeria, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to the newly mandated leader. On February 9, 2010, the National Assembly voted to name Jonathan acting president, taking over from the ailing president, Umaru Yar’Adua, who has been hospitalized in Saudi Arabia since November 23, 2009.

In his address to the nation following the National Assembly’s vote, Jonathan pledged to take on the prevailing "culture of impunity" that has fueled successive deadly outbreaks of inter-communal violence, tackle government corruption "more robustly," empower a rights-respecting police force, consolidate efforts to end the Niger Delta conflict, and follow through on electoral reform ahead of Nigeria’s 2011 general elections. "Goodluck Jonathan made positive and encouraging statements," said Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Now the acting president needs to follow up with concrete actions."

The removal, on February 10, of Michael Aondoakaa, the justice minister and attorney general under whose watch the culture of impunity flourished, was an important first step, Human Rights Watch said. Jonathan should continue this positive momentum by taking concrete actions to make sure that those who commit abuses are held accountable.

In its letter to the acting president, Human Rights Watch called on Jonathan to address the problem of impunity by ensuring that the police conduct a prompt and thorough criminal investigation, with prosecutions, into the January deadly outbreak of sectarian violence in Jos and massacre of at least 150 people in nearby Kuru Karama. He should address the root causes of the violence by sponsoring legislation that bans all forms of discrimination against "non-indigenes."

The acting president should hold accountable security forces, notably the Nigeria Police Force, for widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and extortion, Human Rights Watch said. This should include a comprehensive criminal investigation into the extrajudicial killings by the police of suspected Boko Haram members in July 2009 and the unlawful killings of more than 130 people by the police and military while responding to the November 2008 sectarian clashes in Jos.

Jonathan should also "more robustly" tackle government corruption by subjecting government expenditures to greater oversight and more transparent financial audits, by calling on the National Assembly to pass the Freedom of Information bill, and by ensuring that government officials implicated in the massive looting of the state treasury are investigated and prosecuted, regardless of how highly placed.

Human Rights Watch further called on Jonathan to tackle the corruption and political violence that underlie the Niger Delta conflict by investigating and prosecuting the politicians who have embezzled and mismanaged the region’s vast oil wealth and armed many of the criminal gangs active in the Niger Delta.

On electoral reform, Human Right Watch called on Jonathan to start to restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system by dismissing Maurice Iwu, the chair of the electoral commission, and ordering a comprehensive and impartial investigation into widespread election abuses committed during and since the 2007 elections.

"Nigerians have suffered from violence, corruption, and state-sponsored abuses for far too long," Dufka said. "Goodluck Jonathan has promised to create a new era of rights and justice for Nigerians, and there is no time to waste."

April 2010 – Heartland Alliance

15
Nigeria- Integrated MSM HIV Prevention Program (IMHIPP)

Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights launched the Integrated MSM (men who have sex with men) HIV Prevention Program (IMHIPP) in Nigeria in November 2009, a five-year, USAID-funded initiative to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS among MSM and their sexual partners. IMHIPP is one of the largest MSM initiatives ever launched in the Global South, and it represents a critically important expansion in the provision of HIV prevention, care and support services for MSM in Africa.

Over five years of implementation, with funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and with technical assistance from Howard Brown Health Center, IMHIPP will work to:

* Support grassroots MSM/LGBT organizations in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Cross River, Rivers and Kano;
* Train and support hundreds of MSM to become HIV-prevention Peer Educators;
* Mobilize and reach thousands of MSM with critical HIV prevention interventions;
* Provide community-based care and support services to hundreds of MSM living with HIV;
* Work with key government and non-government actors to integrate comprehensive MSM-targeted HIV programming into Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS response.

To date, many MSM HIV efforts in Africa have worked through, rather than with grassroots MSM organizations, using these organizations to access MSM networks, but rarely investing in the capacity of those organizations to design, manage and evaluate HIV programs. IMHIPP will mobilize MSM in Nigeria at the grassroots, investing in local capacity (individual and organizational) to develop a meaningful and sustainable response to HIV among MSM. IMHIPP is both a service delivery and multiple-level capacity development program, simultaneously responding to unmet needs for prevention, care and support programming for MSM in Nigeria and developing grassroots and policy-level change to create an enabling environment for sustainable MSM HIV programming.

Our Implementing Partners

* Howard Brown Health Center
* Alliance Rights Nigeria-Federal Capacity Territory
* The Independent Project– Lagos State

May 25, 2010 – AidsMap

16
Initial surveys of MSM in Nigeria show high levels of bisexual behaviour and low condom and lube use

by Gus Cairns
Two surveys of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nigeria who are attending local HIV support organisations show that between a third and half of men who are attracted to other men define as bisexual and as many have had vaginal sex with a women as anal sex with a man. The ‘snapshot’ survey adds another country to the list of African countries that have documented a hitherto invisible MSM culture – see recent report – and adds to evidence presented elsewhere at the 2010 International Microbicides Conference that even in supposedly heterosexually-driven epidemics, anal sex may play a much larger role than previously thought.

It also found high rates of anal sex between men and women. However, only 10% of MSM were consistent condom users and only 3% had used any form of water-based lubricant or understood what a lubricant was. Education sessions discussing microbicides had found that 68 to 74% of MSM would be willing to use a rectal microbicide. The MSM studies published at the Microbicides 2010 conference looked at extracts of data from a larger survey of sexual practices and attitudes of "same-sex-attracted" persons conducted by the Lifeline Plus Foundation , a regional HIV support organisation with a centre near Enugu. Enugu state has one of the highest HIV prevalences in Nigeria at 6.5%.

Supporting both MSM and women who have sex with women (WSW) has been part of the organisation’s remit since it was founded in 2001, and it plans to release data on WSW later, which will be a first for Nigeria. The following data are synthesised from two adjacent presentations: one a questionnaire distributed to local HIV support organisations throughout Enugu and Ebonyi states and one from support group members in the Lifeline Plus Foundation itself. Findings were similar so most of these data come from the two-state survey.

There were 498 same-sex-attracted respondents in the two-state survey of whom 205 were men (41%). Out of the whole group, 139 (22%) were married (27% of the men), and 39% of the men were in a steady relationship with a woman. A third of men in the two-state survey and nearly half in the Lifeline Plus survey defined themselves as bisexual. The mean age of the whole group was 26.6 (range 16 to 43). Less than half of the men (48%) had actually had anal sex with a man, one per cent less than the proportion who’d had vaginal sex with a woman. Of those who defined themselves as bisexual, 25% (8% of men) in the two-state survey and half in the Lifeline Plus survey (25% of men) had had anal sex with a woman. Half the men who defined themselves as bisexual and 55% of those who defined as exclusively gay/MSM had multiple partners (sex not specified).

Interestingly, 33 of the 80 men with a steady female partner had disclosed to her that they also had sex with men. This figure was questioned as unexpectedly high. Lifeline Plus’s director Ijeoma Nnaji told aidsmap: “This is a literate, urban group of men on the whole – quite good ‘catches’ for women. There may not actually be much sex going on in the marriage. In return, the women ‘cover’ for the men in what is still a very traditionally Christian part of the country."

“There is no male sex worker community, as there is in the (Islamic) northern states; instead there’s a network of private parties. Lifeline Plus members get invited to them and give safer-sex advice.”

There is, however, no access to free condoms, and only 9.7% of the men said they used condoms consistently. Condoms may at least be accessible, but there is no access to water-based lubricants. Only 3% of men had used a water-based lubricant (mainly KY Jelly) and only four (2%) a lubricant specifically intended for sex. However 82% said they had used a lubricant in anal sex and 37% in vaginal sex. When asked what they used, the majority had used petroleum jelly, a third body lotion, a quarter baby oil and 13% saliva alone. Four specifically mentioned a cotrimoxazole antibiotic cream that is sold in Nigeria.

The lubricant survey was part of a survey to gauge the knowledge and acceptability of microbicides if they were available. Because of seminars at the centre, 84% of the Lifeline Plus group had learned of microbicides through education and 68% said they would be willing to use one if they were available. They would, however, be reluctant to go to a statutory provider for fear of being revealed as gay: Nnaji told aidsmap that there is only one polyclinic in Enugu, a city of three million, that is tolerant of homosexuality and offers a confidential HIV and STI service.

August 11, 2010 – Nairaland Forum

17
Gay Nigerian activist Bisi Alimi shares his compelling story

Today’s Out Spotlight is a Nigerian-born civil rights activist, and was the first gay Nigerian man to be interviewed on national TV in Nigeria.

Bisi Alimi was born in Nigeria in 1975, grew up and went on to attend the University of Lagos (Nigeria) pursuing a degree in theater. While as a student in 2003, he was outed by the university’s student newspaper during student government elections. Homosexual activity is illegal in Nigeria, the conservative influences of the Muslim faith in the north and a large Christian presence in the south. It is punishable by death by stoning in all 12 states, or being sentenced up to 14 years of imprisonment. There is no legal protection against discrimination for LGBT Nigerians. Very few are out, and violence against those in the LGBT community is frequent. Legislation is pending to criminalize same-sex marriage throughout Nigeria.

Alimi was expelled from university in 2004, before he was able to receive his degree. Later that year, he was selected to be the Nigerian face of homosexuality at the fourth National Conference on HIV/AIDS in Abuja. Also that year, he was brought onto Funmi Iyanda’s New Dawn talk show on the Nigerian Television Authority and it was here that he publicly came out before the nation and asked for acceptance from the public.

Almost immediately, there were repercussions for both Alimi and the interviewer. Almini received both love letters and death threats, and lost his home and his job. The New Dawn talk show’s Friday edition was canceled and further interviewees on the show were were screened by the NTA in a country where censorship against homosexuality is already tight. Not deterred, in July 2005, Almini helped found the Independent Project for Equal Rights-Nigeria, serving as executive director of the organization’s Nigerian LGBT Youth Group. He also worked as director of the Alliance Rights, Nigeria’s youth programs.

In December 2007, he lost his partner to a chest infection, and which led to severe mental health issues dealing with his grief. His family and friends, came to his aide, supporting him and getting back on his feet and helping to take life one day at a time. In 2008, Alimi was granted asylum by the United Kingdom, where he currently resides. He has become a spokesperson for African gay men in the UK working with several organizations in the LGTB community and help set up a project for newly arrived African gay immigrants. He was also elected a member of the IAS youth organizing member for the Mexico 2008 meeting and was a member of AMFAR review panel for the international grants for African MSM AIDS initiatives.

Almini also is a sexual health activist and works for Naz Project London which is provides sexual health and HIV prevention and support services to targeted Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in London. "NPL aims to educate and empower communities to face up to the challenges of sexual health and the AIDS pandemic, and to mobilize the support networks that exist for people living with HIV/AIDS." At this time he working on his master’s degree in filmmaking with concentration on documentaries and is hoping to change views of Africans about homosexuality through movies and short films.

November 27, 2010 – LGBT Asylum News

18
Nigerian gay man Uche Nanbuife faces deportation from Britain

Uche Nnabuife is a 33-year old Christian Nigerian national who has been detained at Haslar Immigration and Removal Centre, since November 2009. He has received removal directions for 6 December on flight KL1000 at 6:35am from Heathrow Terminal 4, continuing on KL587 at 11:20am to Lagos. He is gay and is afraid of being killed if he returns to Nigeria.

In 1990 he was discovered with another man and was strung up, badly beaten, burnt and abused leading to several weeks in hospital. He saved money to leave the country, working as a male prostitute, where the property that he was living with was attacked. Fearing for his life, Uche arrived in the UK in 2005 and his application for leave to remain has been rejected.

About Uche
Uche is a quiet, peace-loving Christian man, who enjoys spending time with his friends and playing pool. He would like the opportunity to live a normal life and to continue training as a plumber.

After the attack in his village and subsequent hospitalisation, his family disowned him. He managed to persuade his uncle that he was not gay and went to live with him in Lagos to work in his shop. He worked here for a period of about 5 years and got to know other men in the area. Here he met his first boyfriend. They were very careful, fearing they would be attacked.

His uncle began to insist that he should get married and brought a girl and her mother to tea to meet him. On informing his uncle that he could not marry this girl, his uncle’s attitude towards him changed and he stated that what the villagers had said about Uche must be true. Fearing violent retribution and/ or public disgrace, Uche moved out.

On the streets and desperate, he was advised to use an agent to leave the country. His boyfriend introduced to a man, who gave him work, as a male prostitute in order to raise enough money to leave the country. This took him 9 years and during this time the house that they were living and working in was attacked.

He arrived in the UK in 2005 and feels safe here, having become friends with other Nigerians who are gay. He is amazed how open people are able to be about their sexuality. He kept himself to himself fearing that if he contacted any authorities, he would end up back in Nigeria. He found out about asylum in 2009 and made an application, mentioning the fact that he is gay for the first time.

He says:
“I did not know about asylum or about groups such as the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group, who I now speak to for support. If I had known, I would have contacted the authorities. I would like to help to advise other gay men in my position and to encourage them to come out as soon as possible. It has damaged my case, because I felt too embarrassed to discuss my sexuality.”

The Home Office do not believe that he is gay, because he did not reveal all of the traumatic details of his story straight away and because he has served time for a criminal conviction since being in the UK. Whilst living in London, he shared a house and when the police visited they found Uche in the house as well as some cannabis. He was convicted of possession of cannabis with intention to supply. He has served his time and recognises that he made some bad choices in his friends. He wants to put this behind him, to work hard and to use his experience to help others in this position.

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