“Here in Nigeria, the International Centre for Advocacy on Right to Health (ICARH) had a three day event to commemorate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia IDAHOT 2018.

Based on this year’s Theme; Alliance for solidarity, ICARH decided to organise a media symposium on 14th May 2018, which had representative from 6 major media houses in Nigeria present NTA, NAN etc, where issues bothering on LGBTQ were discussed on the need for positive media reportage and also need to use their medium to help spread the message as regards LGBTQ People been normal Human beings and not mentally deranged or cursed as against what is believed thus preaching the need to live in harmony.

The OBJECTIVE of the three days activities 14th -16th May 2018, organised by ICARH was to raise awareness among media practitioner on the need for proper reporting of issues that centres on LGBTQ as they have the tool to further help create a peaceful Nigeria and not one that promotes homophobia as media is a major institution with strong social influence.

ICARH also had a human Right Dialogue on 15th May 2018 with various stakeholders including lawyers, healthcare workers, law enforcement agents as well as traditional rulers. The aim of the dialogue was to table before the stakeholders the devastating effects of human rights violations rooted in homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. During the dialogue, ICARH presented a document evidence of human rights violations against the LGBTI persons and how it has hampered the fights against HIV/AIDS in the country. The highlights of the events was the commitment made by these stakeholders to uphold human rights regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity

ICARH event to commemorate IDAHOT ended on 16th May 2018 with a screening of a Movie/Review and talk show. The event had 19 selected and invited LQBTQ person in attendance, with four (4) Panellist, a Media Practitioner, A Lawyer, a Public Health worker and a Social worker all of which are LGBTQ. The idea was to provide a platform for some invited LGBTQ people to share their live experience on their encounter on Homophobic attack and educate with practical example how they managed and handled it. The Movie screened titled Any Day Now was discussed and participants shared what they learnt as follows:

Same sex persons are loving and caring just like every other person.

Same sex loving persons will go a long way in protecting their interest

Same sex persons usually face social problems emanating from the people who like poke-nosing.

Neighbours will meddle into your affairs even when you mind your business

People will take your private matters personal even it does not concern them

It takes courage and persistence to persuade a rather rigid person to change a stand especially on issues of same sex relationships.

Being gay does not amount to mental illness of any kind.

There is nothing wrong with you loving someone of the same sex.

There is a need for members of the LGBTI community to know their rights and refuse to be intimidated.

If matter gets to the authorities and you are arrested, taken to court etc you have the rights to request for a reassignment of your case to another judge if you feel justice is not going to be served.

Most time it’s not easy to get justice but with perseverance you can make a history.

We also through our twitter @ICARH_NG and Instagram Handle @icarh_ng posted and shared IDAHOT 2018 team picture for this year to celebrate the day.”

In line with the global focus of IDAHOT this year on LGBTQI Youth the Women’s Health and Equal Rights Initiative, Nigeria decided on the theme of “Speaking Louder Than the Silence” to celebrate IDAHOT on May 17. The goal was to provide a platform for five young sexual minority women to share their lived experiences as young sexual minorities living in Nigeria and how they navigate Nigerian society. 

Report by WHER:

Objective of the activity: To raise awareness of young lesbian, bisexual and other sexual minority women’s issues and to empower them through the sharing of personal experiences on how they are able to navigate Nigerian This year’s focus was on young women below age thirty.

Six young women shared different aspects of their life stories, from discovering that they are different, accepting their orientation to dealing with societal stigma especially from their families, friends, and homophobic laws and policies. They shared their challenges, fears and happy moments; they also shared their hope for the future and their re-established commitment to the community.

The event concluded with the screening and discussion of the movie ‘PRIDE’ which showcased the struggles of LGBTI activists in the United Kingdom in the summer of 1984. Their support/campaign for the Miners’ strike and how in this process, each of them went through certain levels of self-awakening and discovery. At the end of the movie, participants felt a deep sense of connection with the movie characters.. They also shared their thoughts about the movie which revolved mostly around the importance of working in solidarity with other minorities, openness, leadership and self-acceptance.

NOSTRINGS PODCAST, a weekly LGBTIQ podcast in Nigeria planned to have a series of shows throughout the week leading up to May 17th. Unfortunately, the podcast did not get a chance to talk to certain individuals as part of the scheduled activities for the IDAHOT event, but alternatively participated in the IDAHOT campaigns by creating a banner that was circulated on social media pages i.e. Facebook and twitter.

ABOUT NOSTRINGS PODCAST:

NOSTRINGS PODCAST is an LGBTIQ weekly podcast that operates in the form of a traditional radio program; it features periodic interviews with members of the LGBTI Community in Nigeria, as well as talk sessions on LGBTIQ issues, targeting mostly issues concerning members of the LGBTIQ Community in Nigeria. NOSTRINGS is the first of its kind, creating quality and original media (audio & text) contents concerning the LGBTIQ Community in Nigeria. The podcast takes into cognizance the social, economic, religious, and political challenges associated with sexuality and sexual health, especially as it relates to LGBTIQ Persons.

NoStrings’ blog.

IDAHOT celebrations by TIER, The Initiative for Equal Rights.

Report by TIER:

TIERs celebrated the 2015 IDAHOT Day, which focuses on LGBTI youth globally and the need to fight for visibility, respect and equality.

The organization released a press release, which highlights the human rights violation, that LGBT persons faces and the plight of LGBT youths (http://www.theinitiativeforequalrights.org/standing-with-lgbti-youth-fighting-for-visibility-respect-and-equality/). The press release was shared with all media contacts and relevant stakeholders within the Nigeria.

ACTIVITIES:

• Launch of whereloveisacrime.org:

TIERS celebrated the 2015 IDAHOT day through the launching of its microsite, www.whereloveisacrime.org that is dedicated to providing alternative platforms for LGBT voices as they continue to struggle for the recognition, promotion and protection of LGBT rights in Nigeria, this site also give the opportunity for LGBTI persons in Nigeria to share their experiences. The site will also be open and available for resource download for personal or research purposes as part content would include notable instruments or laws that are promulgated, articles and speeches that have been made by local, regional, and international bodies or State and Non-state actors/stakeholders in support of LGBT rights (http://www.theinitiativeforequalrights.org/nigeria-whereloveisacrime/)

• TOLL FREE LINES

TIERs launched its toll free lines to help in bridging the gap services online and real time on linkages and provision of services for LGBT persons which includes but not limited to legal aid, counseling on sexuality issues, referral to other services like psychosocial services, LGBTI friendly health care facilities, HIV testing and counseling, and legal support (http://www.theinitiativeforequalrights.org/tiers-launches-toll-free-line-0800calltiers/)

Conclusion:

The launch of the site was announced through a media buzz that lasted for 7 days on the social media through tweeter and other online media platforms.

This media buzz included public opinion influences that help in tweeting about the site and the toll free lines, this help to create awareness about the site and the telephone lines

http://www.theinitiativeforequalrights.org/standing-with-lgbti-youth-fighting-for-visibility-respect-and-equality/
–

Despite recent legal assaults on the possibility of LGBTI rights defence in Nigeria, and a wave of violence against sexual minorities in its wake, various events took place for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia in Nigeria in 2014.

Press release

Activists issued a press statement which affirms the continuous recognition, promotion and protection of LGBTI rights in Nigeria. It also highlighted the violations of rights that LGBTI people in Nigeria face, and stakeholders’ responsibilities towards the protection and promotion of LGBTI rights in Nigeria.

Screening of new Veil Of Silence Documentary

The documentary was produced by local activists and highlights the situation of LGBTI communities in Nigeria. The documentary features true life stories of LGBTI people, together with health and rights experts, and advocates discussing LGBTI rights, and the implications of denial of their rights. (The documentary was shortlisted for the 2014 British Film Institute Festival and was also screened at the festival on 29th and 30th March in Southbank, London.)

The trailer for Veil of Silence can be viewed here:

Veil of Silence Trailer from The Initiative for Equal Rights on Vimeo.

Violence Report

Activists also launched a landmark violence report which documents instances of LGBTI-related violence in Nigeria, especially since the signing of the anti-gay law in Nigeria in 2014. The report will be used in ongoing efforts for the repeal of the law through evidence-based advocacy.

Other events

Various other events connected also with the 2014 global IDAHOT focus on Freedom of Expression, including a book reading, movie screening and talk show.

For more information see:

• The Initiative for Equal Rights: Celebrating IDAHOT with TIERS
• Amsher: Nigeria IDAHO Day Special

Background information

As we all know that homophobia is promoted in Nigeria by policy makers by the virtue of legislation to further criminalize the Nigerian citizens on the ground of their sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as organizations, religious extremists and individual through homophobic campaigns and hate speeches. Homophobia has been a justification for many human rights violations in Nigeria. Consequently, homophobic violence happens with impunity since perpetrators of homophobic violence are not brought to book.

Why is this happening?

The Nigerian government continues to propose for the criminalization of relationships involving persons of the same sex by allowing religious extremists to influence her policy making process with claims that same sex relationship or marriage is a “sin” in a secular state of over 100 million persons, acknowledging the fact that the constitution of the country was not drafted on such basis. Also the lack of political will of the Nigerian government to use its protective mandate in ensuring equal protection for all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation fuels homophobia in Nigeria.

Present Situation

From our evidence based programs over the past twelve years, we are able to identify homophobia as a major setback in the addressing the health challenges and human rights needs of LGBTI population in Nigeria despite the constitutional provisions of protection of all persons from discrimination as enshrined in Chapter 4, Section 42 of the Nigerian constitution. Many Nigerian and non-Nigerian citizens had suffered acute human rights violations on the ground of suspected or actual sexual orientation due to homophobia. Specifically, in the last one year, on the list of documented human rights violated targeted at LGBTI persons in Nigeria alone are arbitrary arrest, torture in custody, curative rape, illegal detention (private cells), forced dismissal from employment, forced disappearance, community violence, blackmail, extortion and murder of persons on the basis of their perceived or real sexual orientation.

Despite this dilemma, majority of LGBTI persons prefers not to report human rights violations they experience due to the policy environment. Due to the situations of extreme homophobia, LGBTI persons are driven underground, hence decreasing the number of sexual minority persons willing to come out and access human rights and healthcare services geared towards addressing their social developmental needs. A notable fact is the preliminary findings of the IBBSS that reflects an increase in the national HIV prevalence among MSM from 13.5% to 17.1% between 2007 and 2010 respectively, while the national HIV prevalence has dropped from about 5.8% to 4.4% in the same period.

Implications of homophobia

Homophobia impedes the social economic development of Nigerians and thereby promotes intellectual brain drain as people perceived to be homosexuals run to countries with a favorable living conditions and policies, though economically less endowed as Nigeria. The promotion of laws that endangers any fragment of the national population presents Nigeria as country where the protection of the fundamental human rights is not assured. Homophobic laws and policies have negative repercussion on Nigeria; however, the poor and less privileged are liable to suffer.

As we all know that what happens in one part of the world affect another, as the world’s population of about seven billion people continue to have access to the web, the problem of homophobia has change dimension overtime. It has transformed from physical homophobia, to cyber-homophobia, thus the definition of homophobia being an unexplainable and extreme fear of a homosexual person remains the same. It is also important to know that the negative impact of cyber-homophobia is even worse than a physical one. While many countries around the world progresses in terms of socio-cultural and economic advancement, Nigeria suffers from the aftermath of homophobia such as violence involving loss of lives and property. Although many transgender and intersex people are not homosexual, recently reports reflects a community lynching of an intersex person in Warri, Delta state, among other inhuman degrading treatment targeted at gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

How homophobia does affect you

The negative policy environment by the virtue of the Criminal Penal Code the proposed Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill in Nigeria, propose to hinder the effort of human rights defenders and health care service provider who target sexual minority persons, however this has grave consequences on public health of over 160 million Nigerians.

Today

As we commemorate the 2013 International Day Against Homophobia worldwide, ICARH seeks this opportunity toimplore all human rights stakeholders to join the fight against homophobia in their respective fields and provide for a platform of collaboration in dealing with perpetrators of hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

What we must do

According to the Secretary of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon, “‘culture, tradition or religion’ is no excuse, governments have to protect gay, bisexual and trans people”. We must remind our law makers of the implications of homophobia and encourage law makers to use their protective mandate to protect the rights of marginalized populations including the rights of sexual minority persons.

We must remind our law makers of the implications of homophobia and encourage law makers to use their protective mandate to protect the rights of marginalized populations including the rights of sexual minority persons.

Organizations should amend their policies to become an equal opportunity employer.

Human rights shareholder should organize a staff briefing or community event on the implication of homophobia.

Finally, Individuals should join the Fight against homophobia web virus on the internet and social media, and refer identified cases of human rights violation to the nearest LGBTI organizations especially human rights violations of the rights of Transgender and Intersex persons.

On a closing note

We deeply express our gratitude for honoring our invitation and we hope to see you at the next international day against homophobia.

Thank you all.

It is understood that the bill has now gone to President Goodluck Jonathan for him to potentially sign into law.

LGBT activists and social commentators were taken aback by the sudden passage of the law, which had, it seems, remained on the legislative back-burner since the Senate vote. It is still unclear if the law is the same as the one passed by the upper house in 2011, or if it has been amended or replaced by another version.

Aside from the above, the text also envisaged the criminalisation of “public show of same-sex amorous relationships directly or indirectly”. In Nigeria same sex relationships have remained illegal since the colonial era.

Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, of some 160 million people.

Various actors have already voiced strong concerns about what future Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS programmes might have if the bill were passed into law.

Reports Associated Press, ‘The measure also could affect HIV and AIDS outreach programs funding by USAID, an arm of the U.S. government. Nigeria has the world’s third-largest population of people living with HIV and AIDS. A spokesman at the U.S. Embassy could not be immediately reached.’

Although various protests – and high-level interventions – have already taken place, March 7 will be the first worldwide response of its kind. Local activists are calling for as many responses as possible, including co-ordinated street protests, actions on social media, and the release of statements endorsing the call from opinion leaders, politicians and international media. LGBT organisations and media can help by publicising the call through all channels possible. Individuals can help by organising protests, lobbying authorities, signing the global petition and joining the call on social media (see below).

On January 14, 2014, the President of Nigeria, Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, assented to the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill. The new law toughens already draconian restrictions on same sex relationships, and introduces a swathe of reforms designed to clamp down on expressions of dissent. In the wake of the law’s introduction, reports of targeted violence against LGBT people in Nigeria have flooded in. Reports of arrests have also been confirmed by civil society groups. As evidence is gathered by researchers and human rights defenders on the ground, damning reports of the law’s impact on human rights violations are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Even before the introduction of the new law, the death penalty for same sex acts was already in force in nine of the Northern Nigerian states, making Nigeria one of 7 countries in the world within which the death penalty for same sex acts is currently in force. It is one of the at least 77 countries in the world which criminalise same sex relationships. Active persecution, including state-sanctioned human rights violations against LGBT people, and routine intimidation and silencing of the few dissenting voices which do exist, makes Nigeria one of the most hostile countries in the world to be LGBT.

Organisers say “In the light of these disturbing facts the Solidarity Alliance, Nigeria calls on you to join in a Global Day of Action on the 7th of March 2014. Join us wherever you are from 11am -1pm, as we stand in solidarity against hate and discrimination.”

Take Action !

Whether you are an individual, a community leader, a journalist or public figure there are several ways you can get involved:

* Organise a street protest where you are – however small, it matters (send details to contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org and we will forward to organisers)
* Sign the global petition against the law (currently 12,167 supporters; target 20,000).
* Join the facebook event page.
* Publicise the campaign by sharing action calls.
* Call on your organisation to release a statement, open letter or other mark of solidarity endorsing the call.
* Use the designated campaign hashtag: #‎istandwith9jaLGBT‬
* Change your social media avatar to the Nigeria Solidarity logo:

For Immediate Release:  Nigeria human rights defenders, groups, individuals and CSOs condemn the passage of the same sex marriage prohibition bill in the House of Representatives and call for its immediate withdrawal.

We, the undersigned human rights defenders, groups, individuals and civil society organizations hereby demand that the recent passage of the ‘Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill and other Related Matters’ by the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria be rescinded. The provisions of the propose bill infringe upon the fundamental rights provisions of the Constitution.

On the 30th May 2013, the Nigeria House of Representatives passed the bill titled “Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill’’. The Bill prohibits marriage between persons of same sex, criminalize organizations and persons who directly or indirectly aid or abate such a union. This Bill will deprive Nigerians of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. This includes the right to peaceful assembly and association, right to life, right to privacy and security of the person, right to private and family life, right to freedom from discrimination, right to freedom of expression and press, right to fair hearing, right to dignity of the human person and right to personal liberty.

This draconian legislation contravenes the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which protects fundamental human rights of individual with no reference to their sexuality, their choice of spouses, private life, sex, creed or religion.

We are concerned that the Same Sex Marriage prohibition bill defines marriage not as an act between a man and a woman, but includes any two people of the same sex living together. This renders all Nigerian of the same sex living together as potential target of this law.

Many people share housing for economic reasons. Two roommates of the same sex could be accused by anybody with whom they have a personal or public dispute of “living together as husband and wife” and be prosecuted under this law.

Their relatives, friends or visitors could be accused of indirectly supporting in private a same sex amorous relationship just by visiting them.

In a tactile society like Nigeria where people of same sex frequently and freely hold each other’s hands, wrap their arms around each other’s waist, can be seen in warm embrace, such innocuous gesture is likely to be misconstrued, invested with sexual meaning and misused for malicious purpose. With the passage of this bill we are likely to see increased rate of harassment, witch-hunt and vindictive accusations which will impact on every Nigerian.

In the hands of unscrupulous politicians and aspirants, the legislation could be used as a powerful tool to undermine and discredit opponents thus subjecting prospective candidates to political blackmail or defamation of character and integrity.

Under the proposed legislation, it will be an offense to advocate against the law without being found guilty of indirectly supporting same sex marriage or relationships. This would be an inherent contradiction for a democratic system.

Under this legislation lawyers will be unable to offer legal representation. In fact such lawyers would be criminalized for representation and defense of perceived same sex related cases.

The Bill passed by House of Representatives defined marriage to be a legal union between persons of opposite sex in accordance with the marriage act, Islamic law or customary law. We believe that by virtue of the Constitution, powers enabling the National House of Assembly to make laws over matters that are under the exclusive lists. Marriage by law is under the residuary list, which is the exclusive prerogative of each state of the Federation.

We are concerned that the passage of this bill would further encourage security agents such as the police to arbitrarily accuse, harass and arrest citizens on spurious grounds creating fear, suspicion and anxiety among the populace.

We are further concerned that before the passage of the bill, the principle of fair hearing was not put into consideration. The Bill contravenes the spirit of the 1999 constitution Chapter II section 17 (1), (2) (a-c) which states that social order is founded on ideals of freedom and equality and that every citizen shall have equal rights, obligations and opportunities before the law and shall uphold the sanctity of every person and enhance human dignity and ensure that all governmental actions shall be humane.

Democracy is about the rule of law, and as a secular state the evocation of religion and morality to police citizens’ private lives does not reconcile with democratic principles. Democracy gives all citizens freedom of expression, association and equality before the law. The passage of the Bill not only directly conflicts with and violates the principles of democracy; it also returns Nigeria to the autocracy of the military era.

In the light of the above concerns, we call on the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to;

1. To immediately consult with the National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders on the human rights implications of this Bill;

2. To immediately withdraw the Bill and uphold the mandate as available in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights of all citizens.

Statement signed by:

Organizations

AL- Centre for Human Development
Alliance for Africa and Nigeria Feminist forum
Changing Attitude Nigeria
Coalition for the Defence of Sexual Rights
International Centre for Advocacy on Rights to Health
International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights
Improved Youth Health Initiative
Legal Defence and Assistance Project
Queer Alliance
The Initiative for Equal Rights
The Initiative for Improved Male Health
Women’s Health and Equal Rights Initiative
_____________________________________
Aken’Ova Dorothy
Alimi Bisi
Ayo Obe
Akoro Joseph Sewedo
Ayesha Imam
Akudo Oguaghamba
Abayomi Aka
Akin Ayo
Anyaegbunam Onyinye
Bibi Bakare Yusuf
Chino Obiagwu
Chris Kwaja
Davis Mac- Iyalla
Dumebi Chukwuka
Emmanuella D. David-ette
Emmanuella Ndunofit
Ifeanyi Kelly Orazulike
Iyayi Osazeme Odgie Oyegun
John Adeniyi
Kole Shettima
Kemi Williams
Michael Akanji
Otibho Obianwu
Owen Ibukun
Olumide Makanjuola
Rashidi Williams
Stephen Chukwumah
Shola Ajibola
Tope Oke
Uche Sam
Victor Ogbodo
Yemi Candide Johnson
Zaharadeen Gambo