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Over 70 arrested in Nigeria for organising gay wedding

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Nairobi, Kenya
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In a country where conservatism often clashes with diversity, Nigeria’s LBGTQ+ community continues to face immense challenges. This past weekend, 76 young people who organised a same-sex wedding were arrested in the north-east.

On Saturday last week, a day meant to be a celebration of love and unity, the lives of 76 young people took a dark turn in Nigeria’s Gombe state.

The authorities apprehended them for organizing a same-sex wedding, illustrating the relentless crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria.

Homosexuality remains illegal in the country, and the Nigerian Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2014, has cast a shadow over the liberty of Nigerians.

After the arrest, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) Mr. Buhari Saad said, ‘We apprehended 76 suspected homosexuals at a birthday party organised by one of them who was due to marry his fiancé at the event.’

The LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria has been grappling with adversity for years, and the recent arrests have exacerbated their plight. The challenges they face encompass various aspects of their lives, including personal safety, mental health, and access to healthcare.

The Nigerian Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act imposes severe penalties for homosexuality, including imprisonment of up to 14 years. Fundamentalist religious beliefs played a significant role in rallying support for the Act, prompting inquiries into the secular nature of Nigeria.

Others argue that it outright violates the fundamental human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, casting doubt on the inclusivity of Nigeria’s democracy. This legal framework fosters fear, making LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to extortion, harassment, and as previously mentioned, arrest.

Discrimination and stigma against LGBTQ+ people are deeply entrenched in the country’s society. This ostracism has led to social isolation, economic hardship, and difficulties in accessing essential services.

Constantly living in fear of persecution has continuously taken a toll on the mental health of LGBTQ+ Nigerians. Just like Uganda’s controversial bill that was passed this year, Nigeria currently rules over the nation’s sexuality with an iron fist.

Many of the individuals at the brunt of these reforms hesitate to seek healthcare services, particularly concerning sexual health. This lack of access puts them at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The Nigerian government’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights has remained steadfastly conservative – and not just for weddings or civil ceremonies. Today, it even criminalizes public displays of affection between same-sex couples, and public support for LGBTQ+ organizations.

While some nations in Africa such as South Africa are progressing toward greater LGBTQ+ rights, Nigeria appears to be moving in the opposite direction parallel to Uganda. Politicians, meanwhile, are lobbying for even stricter laws on the subject.

Despite human rights organisations and foreign governments expressing concern about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country and across the continent, discrimination, legal persecution, and social stigmatization persist, making it exceedingly difficult for many to live their lives openly and without fear.

As the international community continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, the hope for change remains alive, albeit dimly, in a country where love is still considered a crime.

Contributing Writer Nairobi, Kenya

I’m Derrick (He/Him), a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from the Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya. Currently I write about trending topics and major issues affecting Africa for Thred, specifically concerning SDGs. View my Twitter here if you’d like to send me feedback.

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