EU foreign policy chief Catherine
Ashton on Wednesday condemned Nigeria’s ban on same-sex unions as
discriminatory and in contravention of fundamental human rights.
“I am concerned about the signing
into law in Nigeria of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act,” Ashton said in a
statement. “The European Union is opposed to discrimination on the grounds of
sexual orientation.
“It is firmly committed to
fundamental human rights and the rule of law in respect of those rights,
including freedom of association, conscience and speech and the equality of
persons.”
“I am therefore particularly
concerned that some provisions of the Act appear to be in contradiction with
those fundamental rights, which are themselves guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999
Constitution, and to be inconsistent with the legal obligations enshrined in a
number of international agreements to which Nigeria is a party.”
Gay activists have vowed to fight
the Nigerian government over the ban, warning that it legitimises homophobic
violence.
The United Nations too has attacked
the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013, accusing President Goodluck
Jonathan of trampling over a raft of basic human rights and threatening vital
healthcare plans.
But Nigeria’s presidency has
dismissed concerns about the law, which threatens up to 14 years in jail for
anyone in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership, saying it reflects public
opinion.
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