Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill on Monday [13 Jan 2014] that criminalizes same-sex relationships, defying Western pressure over gay rights and provoking criticism from the United States.<\/p>\n
The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the national assembly last May but Jonathan had delayed signing it into law.<\/p>\n
Presidency spokesman Reuben Abati told Reuters he had now done so.<\/p>\n
As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, anti-gay sentiment and persecution of homosexuals is rife in Nigeria, so the new legislation is likely to be popular. Jonathan is expected to seek re-election in 2015 but is under pressure after several dozen lawmakers and a handful of regional governors defected to the opposition in the past two months.<\/p>\n
Under existing Nigerian federal law, sodomy is punishable by jail, but this bill legislates for a much broader crackdown on homosexuals and lesbians, who already live a largely underground existence.<\/p>\n
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States was deeply concerned by the new measures.<\/p>\n
“Beyond even prohibiting same sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly … and expression for all Nigerians,” he said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“It is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines … democratic reforms and human rights protections.”<\/p>\n