Nigerian law dictates that LGBT people are to be punished by fourteen years in jail, and the witnessing or aiding of same sex relationships is also criminalised. This law was passed by President Goodluck Jonathan in January of this year.
The Solitary Alliance is calling for global support to put pressure on the government to remove this legislation. The organisation is calling upon the rest of the world to join them and stand against homophobia and the violation of human rights on a Global Day of Action on the 7th of March.
LGBT activist Michael Ighodaro said: “Aside from the fact that sections of this law are in direct violation of our fundamental human rights – freedom of expression and assembly, freedom to have a private and family life – and set back the provision of healthcare services, they effectively signify that it is open season to attack the LGBT community.”
“The world has been silent on the passage of the bill, the silence is like saying Nigeria gays are not as important as gays in Uganda or Russia.
“That’s why we are calling on everyone to come out on [7 March] to show solidarity to Nigeria’s LGBT community, to show that the world has not neglected us.”
