Nigeria moves to tighten gay laws

[IndianaGreen]

Last Updated: Wednesday, 14 February 2007, 18:57 GMT

Nigeria moves to tighten gay laws

Nigeria's House of Representatives has held a public hearing on a new bill seeking to outlaw gay relations.

The bill, which could become law before April's elections, proposes a five-year sentence for anyone convicted of being openly gay or practising gay sex.

Critics say the bill is anti-freedom, but religious leaders say it will help "protect society's morals and values".

Homosexuality is taboo across most of Africa, although South Africa recently legalised gay marriages.

The committee conducting the public hearing say they have received over 100 petitions from rights groups asking that the proposed bill be withdrawn.

"The bill is going to seriously violate the rights of people. This bill is evil and should not be allowed to see that light of the day," says Alimi Ademola who heads Independent Project Nigeria, a gay rights organisation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6362505.stm

[kenny blankenship]

1. That's the spirit! Throw them into jail so they can never have gay sex again.

[951-Riverside]

2. I expect this from a nation of mentally immature people

Sadly in this day and age we're an equal to them when it comes to violating the basic human rights.

[Rowdy Church]

3. Where's US State Dept Msg of Condemnation?

Where's our US State Dept Msg of Condemnation for such a flagrant violation of Human Rights?

O, thats right -- Conda "Thomasina" Rice is only Sec of State in name only and in the last six years the US has forfeited the right to preach about Human Rights abuses around the world ... 'cause we're now a major violator ourselves under the Bush (sic) Diktatorship.

What a disgrace its become to be an American in the 21st Century.

And you know what I find even more disturbing is how Negroes can be so ready to discriminate against anyone. You would think if any race knew better!

[tnlefty]

4. Welcome to DU, Rowdy Church!

I'll be holding my breath waiting for that msg of condemnation from the State Dept. :hi: