The United States has joined its voice to the host of foreign nations speaking out against Nigeria’s anti-gay marriage bill. In a statement issued by the US Embassy on Friday, the western nation expressed concern Senate-approved bill that outlaws gay marriage and institutes a 14-year jail term on same-sex couples who seek to marry.
The bill, which is now on its way to the House of Representatives before landing on the President’s desk where it will more than likely be signed into law, will also met out a 10 year jail term for “any persons who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations” as well as “any person who… directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amourous relationships.”
The statement reads:
“The United States is concerned about reports of legislation in Nigeria that would restrict expression, assembly or organisation based on sexual orientation or gender identity
“The United States believes that all people deserve the full range of human rights and opposes the criminalisation of sexual relations between consenting adults. The United States is watching this matter closely.”
The US statement also said “the freedoms of speech, assembly and association are long-standing international commitments and universally recognised.”
“Nigeria, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has assumed important obligations on these matters. We expect the government of Nigeria to act in a manner consistent with those obligations.”
No comments:
Post a Comment