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Christian
leaders in US condemn Nigeria's anti-gay bill
05 Mar 2007-
A pending law in Nigeria that would impose brutal penalties on all
relationships, activism, advocacy, and shows of affection among lesbian
and gay people violates basic religious principles of respect for human
dignity and life, a group of more than 250 Christian leaders said today.
The draconian bill – poised to pass possibly as early as this week –
would introduce criminal penalties for any public advocacy or
associations supporting the rights of lesbian and gay people, as well as
for same-sex relationships and marriage ceremonies.
“Christianity
teaches us to respect all our sisters and brothers, and that includes
lesbians and gays,” said Reverend Susan Russell, Senior Associate for
Pastoral Life at All Saints Episcopal Church. “Whether in Nigeria or in
the United States, the Christian value of human dignity for all is
paramount. We call upon the government of Nigeria to respect basic human
dignity and reject the persecution of lesbians and gays by withdrawing
the proposed law."
The bill is
entitled “Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006,” but goes much
further: it would attack all lesbian and gay individuals, families and
human rights. The bill would provide for five years’ imprisonment to
anyone who “goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person of the
same sex,” “performs, witnesses, aids or abets the ceremony of same sex
marriage” or “is involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies
and organizations, sustenance, procession or meetings, publicity and
public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly in
public and in private.” Any priest or cleric aiding or abetting such a
union could be subject to the five-year prison term. The law would also
prohibit adoption of children by lesbian or gay couples or individuals.
Homosexuality
is already criminalized in Nigeria. Nigeria’s criminal code penalizes
consensual homosexual conduct between adults with 14 years’
imprisonment. Shari’a penal codes in effect in northern Nigeria continue
to punish “sodomy” with the death penalty.
Homosexuality
is already criminalized in Nigeria. Nigeria’s criminal code penalizes
consensual homosexual conduct between adults with 14 years’
imprisonment. Shari’a penal codes in effect in northern Nigeria continue
to punish “sodomy” with the death penalty.
The letter by
Christian leaders denounces the impact the law would have on lesbian and
gay individuals and families, and on HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. It
also underscores Nigeria’s international legal obligations to
fundamental freedoms. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
affirms the equality of all people. The International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights, which Nigeria acceded to in 1993, protects the
rights to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, freedom of
assembly and freedom of association. The United Nations Declaration on
Human Rights Defenders says that “everyone has the right, individually
and in association with others, at the national and international
levels: b) to meet or assemble peacefully; and b) to form, join and
participate in nongovernmental organizations, associations or groups."
“As a Black
Christian Leader in the United States, I am keenly aware of the effects
of legalized discrimination,” said Reverend John Selders of Amistad
United Church of Christ. “We are all God’s Children and have a right to
share in the recognition of our human dignity."
“The core of
the Christian gospel is hospitality, love and justice, but the proposed
law stands in stark contrast with each of these values,” said Reverend
Rebecca Voelkel, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. “As
Christian leaders, it is our ethical and moral obligation to speak
loudly and clearly against such discriminatory legislation."
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