Gay activists, LGBT community members and the UN have warned that a Bill banning same-sex unions could legitimise homophobic violence in Nigeria Gay activists have promised to fight the Nigerian government after the country outlawed same-sex unions. They claim the act legitimises homophobic violence and increases fears of persecution Gay activists on Tuesday vowed to fight the Nigerian government after the country outlawed same-sex unions, warning the act legitimised homophobic violence and increased fears of persecution. The United Nations also 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. Nigeria's presidency has dismissed international concerns about the law, which threatens up to 14 years in jail for anyone in a same-sex marriage or civil partnership, saying it reflects public opinion. The country's newspapers largely ignored the development, while there was wide support on social media, reflecting deeply held religious views across the West African nation. Evangelical Christianity is popular in Nigeria's south, while the north is mainly Muslim and Islamic law runs alongside state and federal justice systems. Climate of fear, suspicion Research published in June last year by Pew Research Global Attitudes Project suggested that 98% of Nigerians thought homosexuality should not be accepted by society. The law, however, has spread fear among Nigeria's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and disappointment among their supporters abroad. One gay man in Lagos, whom Agence France-Presse did not identify in case of reprisals, said he was "devastated" by Jonathan's actions and "terrified" at the consequences. "I am concerned especially for LGBT people up north, in the [southern] Niger Delta ... and for LGBT people in the whole of the country actually," he added. "They [the government] have just legalised violence, stigma and discrimination ... Our situation has gone from bad to worse." In London, LGBT activist and human rights campaigner Davis Mac-Iyalla said the legislation would force the community deeper underground and create a damaging climate of fear and suspicion. Denied vital health services Included in the law is a provision to punish with a jail term of up to 10 years anyone who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations. Anyone who directly or indirectly makes a public show of a same-sex relationship will also break the law and could face jail. UNAids and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria said they feared that LGBT people in Nigeria could be denied vital health services. Nigeria has the second-largest HIV epidemic globally, with an estimated 3.4-million people living with HIV in 2012. UNAids and the Global Fund called in a statement for an "urgent review of the constitutionality of the law in light of the serious public health and human rights implications". Mac-Iyalla said the law was not about gay marriage, which was not a pressing issue in Nigeria, but "the further punishment and criminalisation of homosexuality". Reinforcing existing prejudices Nigeria is one of 78 countries worldwide, many of them in Africa, where homosexuality is illegal, according to UNAids. Nevertheless, he added: "I still believe there are lawyers and people from the human rights angle would be interested in taking this case. "Human rights can be fought from anywhere, nationally or internationally. We're not going to keep quiet and accept such a draconian law."

• published: 15 Jan 2014
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