Press Statement-
‘Deji Ajare
Co-ordinator
Sterling Law Centre
Abuja
14.01.2014
Just yesterday, it was revealed that the FGN had signed into law the Same Sex Prohibition Act.
The Act seeks to punish persons who enter into same sex marriages.
It also punishes any person or group of person who witness, aids or abets the solemnisation of such union.
The signing of the bill is worrisome and calls for caution. It amounts to a restriction of freedom of assembly, association, and expression for all Nigerians.
The Act as passed is a clear violation of the rights of gay persons under the constitution as well as under International instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The law is discriminatory and punitive and serves no useful purpose.
We therefore urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to reconsider the Act with a view to probably repealing same.
There is the need for every conscious Nigerian to understand that this law violates individual rights and if not checked can lead to abuse.
In the meantime, we are exploring all lawful means to challenge the Act in the court of law.