Nigerian Government To Ban Same-Sex Marriage (And Relationships!)

Please calm down. Of course I cannot do such a thing. What on earth does that have to do with the topic?

I definitely agree with Seun on this issue. It appears that the nigerian government is distracted by trivial matters instead of focusing on the suicide mission of the aviation industry among other things. If people decide to be homosexual, it is between them, God and Jesus, people need to mind their own business for goodness sake. God knows that if they were supposed to impose the same sanctions for infidelity and marital unfaithfulness, almost the whole of Nigeria would be in jail! However, you really never hear anyone talking about that, do you

@ nferyn thats how awkward it feels

I understand that it can feel awkward. When I was at University, there was one guy hitting on me and I didn't like it in the least. However, I can dissociate my personal feelings of awkwardness with policy an justice. Moreover, allmost all  gay people I know are perfectly OK to associate and socialise with. It was just this one obnoxious idiot.

@NFERYN
 Of course we can all associate with everyone.
the fact that a person is guy doesnt make him/her a lepper
but making that "awkard act or feeling" acceptable is what i don't like

@nferyn

I challenge you and will give you strong reasons why Homosexuality is immoral. Lets follow the

rule of Logic.

Do you believe in having laws? I guess u'll say Yes.
Why?  To regulate the actions of the people.
What actions should they regulate? The ones that would bring about problems and the ones that are anti-cultural. (By cultural, I don't mean traditionsl) Is homosexuality one of such acts that should be regulated or worked on? Emphatic Yes!
Why?......then listen

Homosexuality, or Sexuality is a diverse matter. However you look at it, it has to do with Freedom. Freedom to express your sexuality however you want it. Now the question is should we give humans absolute freedom when it comes to expressing their sexuality? The rational answer is no? Why no? Cos we all know that this will lead to disorderliness which is why we have laws in the first place. But the main question now is, is Homosexuality immoral, would it promote disoderliness? Again the answer is Yes, it will.

Over the years, Africans are known to frown at acts like these. It is against our culture and traditions. So a sudden change would cause disoderliness, thats why the government has to look into it seriously. It is actually an odd situation here and you might get stoned if you display such acts in public here. They have to punish people who engage in such acts because its disturbing for we majority straight people. And it has been discovered that starights can be lured into the act!

I will shed more light on this. Polygamy is welcomed in Africa, but if you try that in the western world, you might get the same reaction you would get if you try homosexuality here. Its a cross-cultural thing! The laws your promulgate has to suit your cultural enviroment. Majority of
Nigerians are straight, so they are saying NO to homosexuality! This conforms with the principles of democracy; majority rules. In the same vien, majority of the people of the western world don't want Polygamy, so they formed laws against it. Different strokes for different folks.

NOTE: Homosexuality is a thing of the mind. Every sraight person has the tendency of being an homo, if he/she can be tweaked to that nature, so I wont be surprised at some Nigerians following that trend that comes from the west!

I hope I have been able to clarify this issue! And one more thing. You have no right to tell the government to stop this law because they have not reformed the prisons Let them do what has to be done Pronto!

Many gays repress their sexuality because of society's pressures. That implication is merely a realisation. Why don't you ask her if she really chose her preference.

QUite an interesting topic, i have read the both the silly,educating and uneducative views through out this thread.
But first of all i would like to raise a point on one issue i have seen many of the posters elaborated on.Homosexuality is the same thing as incest. Well I don't agree.

Homosexuality itself is a behaviour and thus stand by itself, raising ideas like oh "this guy is Gay and that means he is a sicko" or this lady is a "Lesbian and she has a chance to express any morals as she wishes to do" is really stupid and doesnt make any sense at all.

Then towards the last posting, most the opinions where religiously inclined and this is uncalled for, well so far i would say most of the opinions many of you where raising had to do with both your religious and moral upbringing. it had to do with what you where taught was an abormination and what you where taught was good.

Every single opinion that i have read so far from here and other forums have been apprently derived from the way their environment accept it, what their parents or religion taught them and also quite from
what they have learnt from books as in the bilogical findings in terms of homosexuality behaviour.

Actually when we look at homosexuality from Islamic and Christianity perspective, the practice is strictly condemned and forbidden, i don't know much about other religions. but Islam and Christianity has condemned homosexuality based on the teachings from its Holy Book.

If you ask me what is my proof well ok here it is.
Islam:
"We also sent Lut : He said to his people : "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Qur'an 7:80-81
"What! Of all creatures do ye come unto the males, and leave the wives your Lord created for you? Nay, but ye are forward folk." Qur'an 26:165


Christianity
Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV): "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters, nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."


i think homosexuality is summarised properly in this way and actually.i actually got it from an online source.

What it is?:

The most conservative view
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
Something that one does; a chosen lifestyle.,


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Something that one is;
 an unchosen orientation.


What causes it?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :

Multiple causes including: poor parenting, sexual molestation during childhood, perhaps demon possession. Addiction traps them in the lifestyle.


The most liberal view,Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Genetically predetermined plus some unknown environmental factor in early childhood which "turns on" the gene or genes.


At what age does it become obvious in an individual?


The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
Teenage years, after puberty, when it is chosen.

The most liberal view,Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Homosexual orientation can be detected in pre-school children.


Is it sinful?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
Yes. It is more serious than many other sins. It endangers the family and thus social stability.

The most liberal view,Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Neither heterosexuality or homosexuality are inherently sinful. It is free of sin if it is safe, consensual and, perhaps, within a committed relationship.



Is it natural and normal?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
It is an unnatural, abnormal deviant behavior.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
It is normal and natural, for a minority of humans.


What should a homosexual do?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
Choose to remain celibate, or attempt to change their orientation to heterosexual.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Choose either celibacy or monogamy with a same-sex partner. Changing sexual orientation is not possible in all, or essentially all, cases.



God's attitude towards the homosexual and towards homosexuality

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
He loves the sinner, but hates homosexuality, which is always sinful.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers. Loves the person. Various beliefs:
May approves of the activity if it is based on love and commitment. May approve if it is safe and consensual.

Is it changeable?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
Yes, through counseling and prayer. But it requires effort because it is so addictive.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
No. Sexual orientation is always or almost always fixed.

Is reparative therapy effective?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
 Yes; it is an effective method to changing homosexuals into heterosexuals.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
It is a useless, ineffective, and potentially dangerous therapy that can trigger suicide.



Are anti-discrimination laws beneficial?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
No. It would grant them special privileges, and encourage more youth to choose homosexuality.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Yes. They are a heavily discriminated-against minority in need of protection.


What happens to children raised by gays or lesbian parents?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
A large percentage will become homosexuals. Those who don't will be disturbed by the presence of homosexuality in the home.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
The vast majority of their children will be heterosexual -- apparently more accepting and less judgmental than average.

Should churches recognize committed same-sex relationships?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
No. Gay relationships are an abomination, hated by God.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Perhaps. Some feel that all loving, committed adult relationships should be recognized and supported by religious groups.

Should same-sex couples given benefits now given to opposite-sex married couples?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
No. Same-sex marriages or civil unions threaten regular families and thus the stability of society.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Yes. Official recognition of their relationship and government benefits are a fundamental civil right.


Should gays be eligible for ordination as clergy?

The most conservative view,
typically promoted by the conservative religious groups, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.. :
No. It would be a major lowering of standards. It would condone seriously sinful behavior.


The most liberal view,
Typically followed by religious liberals, gays, lesbians, mental health professionals and human sexuality researchers.
Yes. One's orientation has no bearing on the ability to be a priest, minister or pastor.

But one thing that ponders me, is why gay or lesbian rights? If they know it is natural and it should be treated as normal?
Sexual Orientation should be dealth within the boundaries of the bedroom, public acknowledgment shouldnt be welcomed. It does not deserve public acknoledgment just especially in an environment that discourages sexual oriented inclined politics.

I just don't get the point of all this, I have never supported homosexuality in anyform, but to me i feel the government should look for proofs before banning issues like that.

We have more pressing issues to face and deal with in Nigeria than issues of sam-sex marriage or relationship.
Another form of 5 minutes madness displayed by the Nigerian demdecrazy government

We're taking this thread in another direction, this is not about what makes people gay or if its right or wrong. Its about the Nigerian govt implementing laws which could potentially affect all of us

If the government is saying we would not allow same sex marriage, they don’t need to enact a law as there is no provision for same sex marriage in any of our laws.

This law will have far reaching implications, which people are not really aware of. The excitement I detect here is similar to the sort of ‘excitement’ that occurs when a coup happens. First the ‘joy’ and then the 'shock' when our human rights are trampled on.
 
The government is trying to tap into peoples' revulsion at countries that have allowed same sex marriages. But the government knows its people well, Nigerians have this attitude that, as long as a law doesn’t affect them personally, who cares? the attitude is 'I’m not gay' so it’s not my problem.

But the government has also used the opportunity to sneak in other things that it could always use at a later date to silence opposition or anyone it doesn’t like.

“Section seven provides for offences, and it is an offence for anybody to contract a marriage or have a relationship with a person of the same sex.. If you do, it carries a sentence of five years imprisonment without the option of fine, and if you aid or support in any way, anybody of the same sex to contract a relationship or marriage, it will also attract five years imprisonment.”

So who decides who is aiding and supporting a gay relationship ?
If you’re a parent and you are aware your child is in a gay relationship..
If you have a gay friend and they stay over at your place…
2 people of the same sex stay in the same hotel room….
2 people of the same sex hug or hold hands
2 young kids ‘experiment’…
2 guys/girls sharing a flat…

I could go on as there are so many ways this part of the law can be interpreted. I’m also very concerned that there’s no option of fine. That tells me this will definitely be used to settle personal and political scores.

“Things like rallies and relationships or amorous relationships being displayed in public are all included in the bill”

This part of the law is not just for same sex couples but for opposite sex couples. I can see how popular this will be on our university campuses. By including rallies, it has also blocked any potential or future protest that may arise as a result of this law.

I’m sure by the time the full law is released there will be other things in the ‘fine print’ that will have good uses when Nigeria eventually becomes a dictatorship.

If the Nigerian government really cares about morality, it should be looking at ways to stamp out underage labour, child trafficking, child abuse, spousal abuse, ritual murders etc.

I personally think the government have better things to do that concentrate on thins that are not common in nigeria...
The federal gov havent strongly critised Rape, abortion, Aids, under-age sex ...all these are very common in nigeria but i wonder why they are so quick to put this in the public.they just havent got their priorities right!!! 

The stigma homosexuals feel in a society like ours should be enough for them, 

Existing customary laws already 'frown' at same sex relationships/marriage, so aren't you suspicious of the motives of the federal government for now enacting such a far reaching law ?

Our myopic way of dealing with issues never ceases to amaze me. 

On a lighter note, expect 'smart' nigerians to use this new avenue of 'sexual discrimination' to claim 'political asylum' in Europe/US. I have to give kudos to the government for using this ingenious method to reduce youth unemployment and circumvent any visa restrictions on Nigerians (e.g the UK's visa restrictions on 18 - 30 yr olds) 

Can't 'check out' just get your mate and head over to the nearest western embassy 

@ ijebuman  am sorry man
*just correct my old post*

No worries i know people are getting 'emotional' here. My problem is with this law itself not the whole morality of same sex marriage, gay relationships etc,
The law in its present form is open to so much abuse, Malaysia has similar laws and it was used to prosecute the deputy prime minister when he fell out with the prime minister. http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA280281998?open&of=ENG-2AS

I'm surprised more peopel are in support of this law than against it. Anyway what one man can do, another can undo. if this law is passed, one day it will be overturned