Anti-Gay Laws: US Threatens Sanctions Against Nigeria, Others

Posted by African Examiner African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News, World News Tuesday, February 9th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Joe Biden has issued a presidential directive targeted at promoting and expanding protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people worldwide, including potentially through the use of financial sanctions.

African Examiner notes that Nigeria’s anti-gay laws have come under attack by global rights groups who have described the country as overtly homophobic.

Also, in 2014, former president, Goodluck Jonathan, signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in January 2014, stipulating between 10 to 14 years in prison for cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners, public show of same-sex relationship, registration, operation or participation in gay clubs, societies and organisation, amongst others.

Nigeria, been a conservative country will unlikely not revisit its anti-gay marriage law to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States.

However, the Biden Presidency threatens “swift and meaningful” responses and also financial sanctions against countries found guilty of human rights abuses of LGBTQI+ persons.

The memo read: “When foreign governments move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce legal protections in place, thereby contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.

“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.

“The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values.”