States on
Monday
criticized
Nigeria for
approving a
law that
punishes
same-sex
marriage with
prison, saying
the move
would curtail
basic
human
rights.
Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States
was "deeply concerned" by Nigeria's new law
which "dangerously restricts freedom of assembly,
association and expression for all Nigerians."
Kerry said the act "is inconsistent with Nigeria's
international legal obligations and undermines the
democratic reforms and human rights protections
enshrined in its 1999 constitution."
"People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and
equality. No one should face violence or
discrimination for who they are or who they love,"
Kerry said in a statement.
Under the new law, anyone in a same-sex marriage
or union would face up to 14 years in prison, with
such partnerships reached overseas considered
void in Nigeria.
President Goodluck Jonathan signed the law
because he considered it consistent with most
Nigerians' views toward homosexuality, his
spokesman, Reuben Abati, told AFP.
The United States has generally warm relations
with Nigeria but President Barack Obama's
administration has increasingly put a priority on
fighting for gay rights overseas.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has said that
he will not rush into signing a law under which
gays would be jailed after criticism from Obama,
Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu and other global
figures. (AFP)
Sent From David Aniemeka
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