Nigerian leader signs anti-gay law, drawing U.S.

fire |
Reuters
ABUJA Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill on Monday that criminalizes same-sex
relationships, defying Western pressure over gay rights and provoking criticism from the United
States.
The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex
"amorous relationships" and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the national assembly
last May but Jonathan had delayed signing it into law.
Presidency spokesman Reuben Abati told Reuters he had now done so.
As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, anti-gay sentiment and persecution of homosexuals is rife in
Nigeria, so the new legislation is likely to be popular. Jonathan is expected to seek re-election in
2015 but is under pressure after several dozen lawmakers and a handful of regional governors
defected to the opposition in the past two months.
Under existing Nigerian federal law, sodomy is punishable by jail, but this bill legislates for a much
broader crackdown on homosexuals and lesbians, who already live a largely underground existence.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States was deeply concerned by the new
measures.
"Beyond even prohibiting same sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly ...
and expression for all Nigerians," he said in a statement.
"It is inconsistent with Nigeria's international legal obligations and undermines ... democratic
reforms and human rights protections."
While European countries, most recently France, have moved to offer same-sex couples the same
legal rights enjoyed by heterosexuals, many African countries are seeking to tighten laws against
homosexuality.

Britain and some other Western

countries have threatened to cut aid to
governments that pass laws
persecuting homosexuals, a threat that
has helped hold back or scupper such
legislation in aid-dependent nations like
Uganda and Malawi.
But they have little leverage over
Nigeria, whose budget is funded by its
2-million-barrel-per-day oil output.
"Persons who enter into a same-sex
marriage contract or civil union commit
an offence and are each liable on
conviction to a term of 14 years in
prison," the bill says.
"Any person who registers, operates or
participates in gay clubs, societies and
organizations or directly or indirectly
makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each
be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison."
The news provoked an outpouring of anti-gay invective on Twitter, but there were also some who
questioned the priorities of the president, who is commonly referred to by his initials.
"I cannot believe GEJ took time to sign a bill into law jailing people for being gay. I don't have any
electricity, dude!" one post read.

(Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by Tim

Cocks and Mark Trevelyan)
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-g
ay-idUSBREA0C10820140113