The Federal Government has stated clearly that Nigeria’s stance on same-sex relationships remain the same despite the pressure from members of the international community who have been making “a lot of noise” since the bill was passed into law. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, told the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, who paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja, to accept Nigeria’s position on same-sex marriage, noting that the bill was very popular among the people with an overwhelming 99 per cent support.
The UN Chief had earlier said that the anti-gay law “is a violation of the human rights enshrined in the international covenant of civil and political rights. It contravenes Africa’s charter and the Nigerian constitution itself.”
“I am seeking your good office to see some kind of moratorium on prosecution at this moment. We can do much more work to have all Nigerians respect the human rights of all people, to respect diversity, to promote values of tolerance, acceptance with targeted training for law enforcement and other things.
Wali however noted that same-sex marriage is against culture and tradition of Nigerians who are very religious.
“With time, things may improve, but Nigeria is fundamentally a very religious society and our people cannot understand same-sex relationship.
“Personally too, I do not accept same-sex marriage even though it conflicts with international norms on human rights,” he said.
The Minister informed Pillay that Nigeria’s legal system has never given recognition to same-sex marriage. He told the UN chief that the law would not allow unnecessary prosecution of people, noting that “we have always had good records in all aspects of human rights.”
The UN Chief had earlier said that the anti-gay law “is a violation of the human rights enshrined in the international covenant of civil and political rights. It contravenes Africa’s charter and the Nigerian constitution itself.”
“I am seeking your good office to see some kind of moratorium on prosecution at this moment. We can do much more work to have all Nigerians respect the human rights of all people, to respect diversity, to promote values of tolerance, acceptance with targeted training for law enforcement and other things.
Wali however noted that same-sex marriage is against culture and tradition of Nigerians who are very religious.
“With time, things may improve, but Nigeria is fundamentally a very religious society and our people cannot understand same-sex relationship.
“Personally too, I do not accept same-sex marriage even though it conflicts with international norms on human rights,” he said.
The Minister informed Pillay that Nigeria’s legal system has never given recognition to same-sex marriage. He told the UN chief that the law would not allow unnecessary prosecution of people, noting that “we have always had good records in all aspects of human rights.”
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