Post by angli_fan on Dec 14, 2006 18:10:50 GMT -5
[from the Associated Press]
LAGOS, Nigeria: In the Muslim north of Nigeria, Bisi Alimi could be stoned to death for having gay sex. In the south, he could face three years in prison. Now, a proposed law would make it illegal just to share a meal at a cafe with gay friends.
The proposal under debate in Nigeria's House of Representatives would outlaw not just gay marriages, but any form of association between gay people, social or otherwise, and publication of any materials deemed to promote a "same-sex amorous relationship."
..."This meeting, right here, would be illegal," says activist Alimi, stabbing the air with a French fry for emphasis as he sits at a table with three gay friends and a reporter. "We could be arrested for talking about this. You could be arrested for writing about us."
Other activities specifically prohibited under the proposed law include participating in gay clubs, or reading books, watching films or accessing Internet sites that "promote" homosexuality.
Alimi's been trying to drum up united opposition to the legislation, but says Nigeria's homosexual community is so far underground and the subject is so taboo that it's been difficult. The 27-year-old activist is one of few openly gay Nigerians, having been "outed" by a university newspaper three years ago. None of his companions have told their families they are attracted to men. The risk of arrest, beatings or even death is why they requested that only first names be used for this article.
"A few of my best friends know, but I don't have the courage to tell my parents," 23-year-old medical student Ipadeola says.
www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/africa/AF_FEA_GEN_Nigerian_and_Gay.php
For more info on the proposed legislation, and it's wide support among various religious groups, see "The Nigerian Taliban" at:
politicalspaghetti.blogspot.com/2006/03/nigerian-taliban.html
LAGOS, Nigeria: In the Muslim north of Nigeria, Bisi Alimi could be stoned to death for having gay sex. In the south, he could face three years in prison. Now, a proposed law would make it illegal just to share a meal at a cafe with gay friends.
The proposal under debate in Nigeria's House of Representatives would outlaw not just gay marriages, but any form of association between gay people, social or otherwise, and publication of any materials deemed to promote a "same-sex amorous relationship."
..."This meeting, right here, would be illegal," says activist Alimi, stabbing the air with a French fry for emphasis as he sits at a table with three gay friends and a reporter. "We could be arrested for talking about this. You could be arrested for writing about us."
Other activities specifically prohibited under the proposed law include participating in gay clubs, or reading books, watching films or accessing Internet sites that "promote" homosexuality.
Alimi's been trying to drum up united opposition to the legislation, but says Nigeria's homosexual community is so far underground and the subject is so taboo that it's been difficult. The 27-year-old activist is one of few openly gay Nigerians, having been "outed" by a university newspaper three years ago. None of his companions have told their families they are attracted to men. The risk of arrest, beatings or even death is why they requested that only first names be used for this article.
"A few of my best friends know, but I don't have the courage to tell my parents," 23-year-old medical student Ipadeola says.
www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/africa/AF_FEA_GEN_Nigerian_and_Gay.php
For more info on the proposed legislation, and it's wide support among various religious groups, see "The Nigerian Taliban" at:
politicalspaghetti.blogspot.com/2006/03/nigerian-taliban.html