12 April 2006 - Green Euro-MP Caroline Lucas has called on the Nigerian government to abandon plans to ban same-sex relationships and organisations representing gays and lesbians.

Dr Lucas has joined some 60 MEPs from all major parties in condemning the proposed law, which she says will violate several human rights treaties signed by Nigeria – and enhance a culture of fear, discrimination and repression in the west African state.

“The proposed law aims to introduce new criminal penalties for homosexuality as well as for public advocacy or associations supporting lesbian and gay rights – and as such is an intolerable breach of international law and the rights and freedoms of lesbians and gay men in Nigeria,” she said .

“If approved, it will breach the freedom of expression, assembly, association and conscience protected by UN and African Union human rights treaties – and is likely to undermine Nigeria ’s efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.”

The legislation would introduce a sentence of up to five years in prison for any person marrying another of the same sex, or who witnesses, aids or abets the ceremony of a same-sex marriage, is involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, processions or meetings.

Dr Lucas added: “This proposed legislation will make life intolerable for many in Nigeria , and place the country even further outside the norms of international human rights law. I urge its Government to scrap the proposal, and the Governments of EU members to raise the matter with their Nigerian counterparts as a matter of urgency.”

The South-East England MEP made her comments in an open letter demanding the authorities in Abuja ditch the draft law, end official discrimination, guarantee the safety of minorities and fully respect all international human rights obligations under the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.

ENDS