For years now, the issue of homosexuality across the globe has been not only contentious but also divisive. Different countries around the world have on behalf of their citizens made know their stand point on this controversial issue.
The diversity of opinions on the issue of homosexuality is remarkable as there appears to be no meeting point for all involved. From the religious perspective to the African traditional views through the lens of the law and the human rights angle, discordant analysis continues to trail this topic.
In Nigeria, homosexuality is frowned at by majority of the populace and punishable under some laws. For example, under the sharia law which is applicable in 12 out of the 36 States of the Country, homosexuality is illegal and punishable with 100 lashes and one year imprisonment for unmarried men and death by stoning for married men and divorcees.
In 2007, the Nigerian Government began the process of enacting a law that would prohibit sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex and the celebration of any marriage by them. The law extends its criminal ambit to include all persons who did, assist, presided over, witnessed or even cater such an occasion.
Human Right activists have argued that this proposed law is a violation of the rights to sexual orientation of an individual just as the first gay church opens in Nigeria with the mission statement of bearing witness to the holy integration of spirituality and sexuality.
While I am neither a gay nor a fan of gays, the issue of human rights for gays must be examined dispassionately.
Considering the series of opposition, disdain and absolute lack of thought for the human rights of gays in Nigeria, it is clear that if gays are not customary acceptable and legally acknowledged, their desire to be constitutionally protected will remain nothing but a tantalizing mirage!
Our Constitution says every man has a right to self determination, autonomy of person and invariably, sexual orientation of his choice. So can you blame the gays from living within their constitutionally empowered rights?
