Nigerian human rights activist says it’s time to protest anti-LGBT discrimination

Nigerian human rights activist, Samuel Uchenna has suggested that its time LGBTIQ+ Nigerians adopt public demonstration as a means to push back against the country’s anti-gay laws.

From the African Human Rights Media Network

By Mike Daemon

The activist who shared his thoughts on Twitter wrote: “Do we have public activism in Nigeria with regardless to LGBTIQ inclusion? Can/Should we organize a national march to demand the respect of our dignity as humans?”

Do we have public activism in Nigeria with regardless to LGBTIQ inclusion?
Can/Should we organize a national march to demand the respect of our dignity as humans???✊?

— Uchenna Ngene (@UchennaNgene1) September 19, 2020

True, many LGBTIQ+-focused organizations and groups, have been at the forefront leading the fight against LGBTIQ+ discrimination and oppression, but there has never been a time where LGBTQ+ Nigerians, allies, or activists have a physical gathering demanding for inclusion or the repeal of the law.

In Nigeria, the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) effectively criminalizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons based on sexual orientation and gender identity, public display, or support of homosexuality. The law stipulates a 14-year prison sentence for homosexual acts involving either men or women and a 10-year jail sentence to gay organizations, and anyone supporting same-sex marriages, or any display of same-sex affection.

Recall that on January 7, 2014, Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill (SSMPA) into law. Where it forbade any cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners and bans any “public show of same-sex amorous relationship, and imprisonment on anyone who “registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies, and organization” or “supports” the activities of such organizations.

Uchenna’s tweet has generated a lot of responses from many people who seem to be against the idea, however,  a few persons have said that they will participate should there ever be a demonstration. 

As it were, it’s unsafe to protest against government policies in Nigeria. Then top it with a common enemy for the people and government. Not sure it will end well.

— superHuman (@the_lumiere_) September 20, 2020

Guy that's SCARY

— HH Prince Kerys?? (@kerys_targaryen) September 20, 2020

Woah! Just the thought of it scares me. I would do it! Yes, the system is broken and all. I’d do it! But it scares the shit out of me…

— Enya’s Godson ? (@enyagodson) September 19, 2020