Reps And Same-Sex Bill

The passing of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill by the Nigerian senate a fortnight ago has continued to attract comments from within and outside Nigeria. But more than anything else, the passing of the bill has re-affirmed the sovereignty of the country.

Incidentally, as the nation waits for the House of Representatives to do the same, the pressure around the bill does not appear to worry the Representatives. That the House has not called up the bill for consideration is being suspected in certain quarters as compromise.

This is so because of the enormous opposition to the passage of the bill by the Senate from within and outside Nigeria. The United States of America and 16 international human rights groups formally condemned the passage of the bill on the grounds that it was a violation of the freedoms of expression, association and assembly as guaranteed by international law. On her part, Britain threatened to withdraw aids amounting to £140m annually, if Nigeria passes the same-sex bill.

While we commend the Senate for the show of uncommon courage and patriotism, we call on the House of Representatives to quickly work on the bill and put an end to the subtle international blackmail and intimidation that tend to take Nigeria for granted.

We expect that the international community will be able to understand the differences in the cultures and traditions of the various peoples of the world. They should not forget that some African countries may not be economically sound, but they hold values of morality, decency and proper human conduct very high.

We do not want  to imagine that the Western countries don’t know the dangers inherent in same – sex conjugal relations. The threat they pose to health and the procreation processes are capable of hurting Nigeria more than any aid it can get.

Already, the spate of lesbianism and homosexuality in secondary school is worrisome. To give a legal stamp to that act that even animals would not contemplate, is to open the soul of the nation to an irredeemable drift that can only spell doom.

That is why provisions of the prohibition of same-sex marriage law excites well meaning Nigerians. Subject to the passage of the bill by the House of Representatives, the law stipulates five years imprisonment for anyone that undergoes, performs, witnesses, aids or abets same-sex relationship.

It also prohibits any display of same-sex amorous relationships and adoption of children by gays and lesbians. With the stipulation of 14 years jail term, the bill bans anything remotely associated with gay or lesbianism across the country.

While we have no reason to suspect anybody for the apparent delay on a pressing national issue like the same-sex law, we expect all sane and properly adjusted persons to speak up against the act and call on their representatives at the House to ensure its quick passage.

School authorities should also keep very close watch and bring up for punishment any twisted mind that would want to embark on gay activities. Sadly, many young persons are coarsed in the schools to take part in same-sex inter-course. Children must be encouraged to report anyone that tends to force, or actually forces them to be gays or lesbians.

Unfortunately, there is already a population of young people who have been made to lose interest in relating with the opposite sex. This has been made possible by some rich and powerful men and women, who entice young people with money, and in some cases resort to threats for daring to refuse their overtures.

During the President Olusegun Obasanjo regime in  2005, the same-sex bill was canvassed but was shot down. It was raised again in  2006 and lost, before the present government represented it again. This time around, nothing should allow the bill to suffer any set-back.

We think that every Nigerian should support the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill because, it is reasonable and good for the safety and development of the country.

This matter should not be allowed to linger and assume some un-intended importance. The House should save Nigeria this trouble by considering and passing the bill as soon as possible.