02 March, 2007 - Published 13:22 GMT

Nigerian gay law 'a threat to democracy'

A law banning same-sex marriages in Nigeria is a bit redundant, after all,
homosexuality is already illegal in the country. The law was proposed last year by the
government largely as a symbolic rejection of legislation in western countries which
allowed same sex unions.
The new law is not controversial in Nigeria. It is barely an issue and it has prompted
almost no discussion. This country is fervently religious, split between Muslims and
Christians and most people in both communities consider homosexuality to be immoral.
That is not to say it does not exist. Many local languages have a word for homosexuality,
but it is not a subject for debate and is considered at best something that should be left
in private.
But Human Rights Watch says the bill has implications beyond the issue of same-sex
marriage because it would also punish anyone who advocates the rights of gay and
lesbian people, and would silence any discussion of the topic. The group said the bill
would impose a five-year jail term on anyone involved in gay clubs, processions and
meetings. It is unlikely that these concerns will halt the passage of the law, but some
doubt whether in practice such a law would ever be enforced.
Alex Last, BBC News, Lagos
a bit redundant
not really needed, unnecessary
illegal
against the law
is not controversial
doesn't cause a lot of disagreement or discussion
barely an issue
not really an issue, hardly a subject for discussion
fervently religious
very strongly and sincerely believing in God
immoral
against accepted standards of behaviour
a subject for debate
a topic that needs to be discussed

implications
possible future results or effects, consequences
advocates
publicly defends, supports
halt the passage of the law
stop the law becoming adopted and enforced