The European Union’s Managing Director for Africa, Dr Nicholas Westcott, stated this week in Abuja that the EU won’t impose its stand on same sex marriage on Nigeria, but it was concerned about the human rights of homosexuals in the country following the signing into law of the same-sex Prohibition Act.
“We are not telling Nigeria what kind of legislation it should have, that is for Nigerian people,” he said. “We are not advocating that homosexuality or same sex marriage should be recognised. We are not trying to impose our morality or our culture; Nigeria has its culture, Nigeria has its approach of doing things and there should be mutual respect.
"But we are concerned about the human rights and freedoms of all Nigerians as enshrined in Nigeria's own constitution and as enshrined in international conventions to which Nigeria is a party.”
Wescott said the EU was concerned that the new act will impinge on the freedom of expression, freedom of association and other freedoms that all Nigerians should enjoy.
"I think all minorities will be concerned about that, not just gay community. It will be for Nigeria to respond to this concerns but I have to express them.
Catherine Ashton, the Vice President of the EU said, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, that the law went against the international agreements that Nigeria was a party to.
"I am concerned about the signing into law in Nigeria of the same sex Marriage Prohibition Act. The European Union is opposed to discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation and is firmly committed to human rights and the rule of law in respect of those rights.”
The British government also expressed disappointment over President Goodluck Jonathan's assent to the same sex marriage Bill, which was signed into law on Monday and outlaws same-sex marriages with 14-year jail penalty and up to 10 years for membership of gay rights organisations.
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