HRW: Christian Leaders in US Condemn Nigeria’s Anti-Gay Bill

[kwassa]

from Human Rights Watch

Christian Leaders in US Condemn Nigeria’s Anti-Gay Bill
Persecution and Hatred Not Christian Values

http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/27/nigeri15424.htm

New York, February 27, 2007) – A pending law in Nigeria that would impose brutal penalties on all relationships, activism, advocacy, and shows of affection among lesbian and gay people violates basic religious principles of respect for human dignity and life, a group of more than 250 Christian leaders said in a letter to the Nigerian government today. The draconian bill – poised to pass possibly as early as this week – would introduce criminal penalties for any public advocacy or associations supporting the rights of lesbian and gay people, as well as for same-sex relationships and marriage ceremonies.

“Christianity teaches us to respect all our sisters and brothers, and that includes lesbians and gays,” said Reverend Susan Russell, Senior Associate for Pastoral Life at All Saints Episcopal Church. “Whether in Nigeria or in the United States, the Christian value of human dignity for all is paramount. We call upon the government of Nigeria to respect basic human dignity and reject the persecution of lesbians and gays by withdrawing the proposed law.”

The bill is entitled “Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006,” but goes much further: it would attack all lesbian and gay individuals, families and human rights. The bill would provide for five years’ imprisonment to anyone who “goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person of the same sex,” “performs, witnesses, aids or abets the ceremony of same sex marriage” or “is involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, sustenance, procession or meetings, publicity and public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly in public and in private.” Any priest or cleric aiding or abetting such a union could be subject to the five-year prison term. The law would also prohibit adoption of children by lesbian or gay couples or individuals.

Homosexuality is already criminalized in Nigeria. Nigeria’s criminal code penalizes consensual homosexual conduct between adults with 14 years’ imprisonment. Shari’a penal codes in effect in northern Nigeria continue to punish “sodomy” with the death penalty.

(copy of the actual letter is here)

http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/27/nigeri15425.htm

[Zenlitened]

1. K & R. Kudos to them. - n/t

:)

[B3Nut]

2. So gays can't have sex

but those upstanding Nigerian hackers can bilk people around the globe out of boatloads of cash with seeming impunity.

But they won't listen. Funduhmentalists never listen to reason. Talk about fucked-up proirities...

Todd in Cheesecurdistan