Few
days after the House of Representatives unanimously criminalised same-sex
marriages and relationships and outlawed groups that actively support gay
rights in the country, the European Union (EU) Commission warned it opposed
discrimination or any form of legislation that seeks to persecute someone on the
basis of sexual orientation.
The EU also stated that it opposed any restriction on freedom of
expression, association and assembly, or persecution of those who defend the
freedoms.
The bill, which mandates up to a 10-year prison sentence for
same-sex couples who make a public display of their affection, as well as
anyone advocating for gay rights, provides 14-year behind bars for gay
marriages.
But in a statement, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs
and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton,
said she was concerned that Nigerian lawmakers voted to accept a bill that
would criminalise same sex marriages.
She said: “I am concerned that Nigerian lawmakers have voted to
accept a bill that would criminalise same sex marriage.
“The EU seeks neither to promote nor discourage same sex
marriages, but has been clear it opposes discrimination or any form of
legislation that seeks to persecute someone on the basis of sexual orientation.
“The EU also opposes any restrictions on freedom of expression,
association and assembly, or persecution of those who defend these freedoms,”
she said.
Source: Tribune
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