The Nigerian senate has passed a bill banning same-sex marriages, defying a threat from Britain to withhold aid from nations violating gay rights.
The bill by Africa's most populous nation calls for a 14-year sentence for anyone convicted of homosexuality. Anyone who aids or "abets" same-sex unions faces 10 years in prison, a provision that could target rights groups.
It goes to the nation's House of Representatives for a vote before President Goodluck Jonathan can sign it into law.
"It would place a wide range of people at risk of criminal sanctions, including human rights defenders and anyone else - including friends, families and colleagues - who stands up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people in Nigeria," Amnesty International said in a statement.
The bill passed Tuesday comes nearly a month after British prime minister, David Cameron, threatened to withhold aid from nations violating gays rights, sparking outrage in Africa where leaders interpreted it as "colonial" display of power.
Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries based on remnants of sodomy laws introduced during the British colonial era and perpetuated by cultural beliefs.
Punishments across the continent range from fines to years in prison.
"This is something we raise continually and ... we're also saying that British aid should have more strings attached in terms of 'do you persecute people for their faith or their Christianity or do you persecute people for their sexuality?" Cameron said in a statement.
"We don't think that's acceptable. So look, this is an issue where we want movement, we're pushing for movement, we're prepared to put some money behind what we believe."
Soon after his remarks earlier this month, a flurry of African governments released defiant statements accusing him of undermining their sovereignty and culture.
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If Democracy is about rights & popular majority other than a principle of convenience, why bring it by NATO and drones, why wont you so call democrats allow the wishes off nearly all Nigerians to prevail. We know you have the interest of your citizens living hear @ heart. but we dnt & if students from your countries visit to test this law like they do to Iran, they can expect our reaction.
@Bombo & dnt ask us to kneel 4 it. We feed your corporations with our oil. Your gifts in d past is what caused us problems.We always pay back in oneway or d other. pls use d aid for your people. They also need it.
Its like comparing apples to oranges! No country should dictate to another country HOW to believe! And the BIBLE also says JUDGE NOT LEST YOU BE JUDGED!
No ones telling anyone what to believe. I'm sure there are conditions on most aid packages.
I read a story about us not sending medical aid to places that allow abortion. I don't agree with it, but it's the same thing.
I've bashed nothing, Mmmmm, but you have.
As you always do with people who have an opinion that differs from yours.
I think the of opinion of Nigeria is quite clear:
Stop all aid to them.
@solo:
And we feed your country with the money that we pay for your oil.
Double-edged sword, isn't it?
I'd vote to stop all aid to Nigeria, if my country's aid were in question.
I don't want to make Nigerians feel bad.
Gifts of money are terrible.
Lol.. We should send giftcards
@JIF:
Oh, I agree totally.
We can't have that.
am in TOTAL agreement Joey on your l2:20 post. But then again the US needs to stop aiding all foreigne countries while the US itself is in such financial stress! Its like robbing peter to pay paul!
NEWS FLASH!!
Gay people represent a sizable percentage of our population. We should all accept this and treat them with the same level of respect and dignity that we expect of ourselves. Until they find a cure...
The point is you might not know who we are. In your daily life you would probably do business with, pass by, or have as friends/acquiaintences at minimum of 1 in every 8 men or women. Did you know about the Gay Truckers National Network? How about you local Police or Firefighters Alliance? Or all those people still in the closet or all the young people yet to come out.....Could be your mechanic, the guy who delivers your heating oil, Your UPS lady, the counter person at your dry-cleaner, the kid at Subway, The man in the car next to you, etc.
Hi, chrissy.
@ Kareem Cheez:
You want to find a cure for it?
Then what would your daughter wear to the prom?
She would look like thirty-nine dollars worth of God-help-us...all decked out in loving hands.
@Kareem Cheez:
Until they find a cure for what?
Pithy little usernames?
Aboutee da kareemy guy, I thinkee he vas keeding.
It's okay. I love you all anyway.