European Union 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.
Source: nigerianmonitor.com
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