For
Immediate Press Release
Queer
Alliance issues this statement on behalf of those we represent to present and
voice our concerns against the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2011.
We
like to note that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is
built on one principle- Secularism and not religious indoctrination. The
contents of the bill as amended over time are an assault on the lives and
rights of sexual minorities and all Nigerians with strong religious overtone.
The becoming of law of this bill is of grave consequences to our nation, as we
recently witnessed the mob killing of four men in Port Harcourt. This could
extend to killings and mob actions on the grounds of sexual orientation and
gender identity.
At
this point in the history of our country, it is important to note that we are
going through a period in which the decisive support for the rule of law,
principles of freedom, artistic and intellectual expression, association,
religious liberty, dignity of the Human Person, freedom from discrimination of
all sorts, fight against corruption and violence, an open society and the
respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights of all Nigerians have become
an absolute necessity.
We,
lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans people are not the problem of this nation.
There are many other issues of national concern that needs to be concentrated
on rather than the debate of incarcerating innocent citizens simply because of
a dilemma they cannot overcome. Sexuality
is God’s gift to humankind and homosexuality is a natural, abiding, normal sexuality for some
people. It existed within the shores of
our nation before colonial invasion and its subsequent criminalization.
As
citizens of the this country, we remind the government and our lawmakers that
the private lives of citizens are not grounds for debates and criminal legislation
– save this private affairs and lives inflict harm on other people and
infringes on the fundamental human rights accorded to every Nigerian as
captioned and protected under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.
The
connections between discriminatory and repressive laws and attitudes of people
have meant that violence on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender
identity will increase with the passage of the bill. No one is calling
attention to these crimes. The institutionalization of homophobia by the state-
which is the hallmark of this bill contradicts the Constitution, especially the
clause on the right to the human dignity, life and security, peaceful assembly
and association amongst other rights enshrined in the 199 constitution.
From
all indications this bill is filled with hatred and will incite violence
towards an indefensible group of people already marginalized by the society, its
laws and policies. Existing provisions of the Criminal Code, Section 214, 215
and 217 has promoted hatred, intolerance and homophobia in the society. It
should not be sponsored by the government of ant democratic society any
further. Additional punitive legislation will not solve the issues; rather
violence will increase towards a group of indefensible people, slighted by the
laws of their own nation. This is very evident in the torture of four female
students in one of the university in the south-south geopolitical zone of the
country on the grounds of lesbianism. Innua Yakubu was murdered by his own
classmates in 2002 in Jigawa on grounds of his sexual orientation.
As a
community of innocent and law abiding citizen, we distance ourselves from this
notion of Same Sex Marriages that has saturated our airwaves since 2006. Our cry is that of respect, tolerance, acceptance
and equality.
Nigeria
is a signatory to International laws and Covenants that protects from
discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. We therefore,
urge you to use your esteemed offices in protecting the rights of every Nigeria
by shunning this bill which tendency to inciting violence is high if passed
into law. Nigeria needs live up to the expectations and standards as a member
of the United Nations.
We
strongly advocate that bills such as the Elimination of Violence in the society
which will give protection both to the rich and poor, strong and vulnerable –
everyone living on the Nigerian soil be passed into law. And that bills with
the potential to fuel hatred, violence and intolerance towards a particular
population be shunned and reject by your esteemed offices.
Queer
Alliance calls on you and indeed every Nigerian to lend a voice and a hand in
the support for equality for all Nigerians regardless of sexual orientation and
gender identity. And that in times like this, Nigerian can live up to the hallmarks
of her national anthem: to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
Signed
Queer
Alliance Nigeria
