The leading gay nation on earth, the USA has already voiced its concern.
According to the Secretary of State, John Kerry in a statement:
“The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria’s enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Beyond even prohibiting same-sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association, and expression of Nigerians. Moreover, it is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 Constitution.
People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love. We join with those in Nigeria who appeal for the protection of their fellow citizens’ fundamental freedoms and universal human rights.”
Outside the US statement of disapproval, the gay community are rallying themselves for a series of actions against Nigeria.
Blogger, Melanie Nathan has listed the 10 steps gays are going to take against Nigeria in the coming days:
1. Write polite letters to the President of Nigeria expressing your thoughts and explain what being gay really means – and send a copy of your letter to protectlgbt@gmail.com for publication in this BLOG. (no more than 600 words).
2. Organize protests at Nigerian Consulates and Embassies.
3. Write to the Nigerian Ambassador/ consuls/ President in Nigeria/ in their countries that the World is shocked at the passage of Nigeria’s inhumane and horrific ‘Jail The Gays’ law that President Jonathan just signed into law. Cos the laws against LGBT Nigerians and visitors are based on lies and myths about homosexuality.
4. Start to Boycott all things Nigerian – to include travel, tourism, industry, exports and imports. Call companies that conduct safaris in Nigeria expressing the danger and your anger (politely) at the support of Nigeria.
5. Call upon their employers to speak out against the Jail the Gays Bill, especially if they work for a large Hotel, Airline, Bank etc. Chain that operates in or does business with Nigeria.
6. Write a letter to President Obama.
7. Call their local or national LGBT organizations and ask them what they are doing to help protest this Bill.
8. STATE DEPARTMENT: Call the U.S. State Department and ask them if they are willing to make special humanitarian considerations for Nigeria’s LGBT community. Tell the State Department and their member of Congress that they want Nigerian lawmakers banned from entering the U.S.A.
Also they are sure that the State department will soon update their Travel Advisory to a severe WARNING for LGBT people traveling to Nigeria.
9. Call their Mayors' office/ City Councils / Human Rights Commissions and ask for a Proclamation to Condemn the Nigerian law and request that all City dealings exclude business with Nigeria.
10. Join LGBT Protection Coalition, Worldwide, by sending their name and email address to protectlgbt@gmail.com so as to get updates about protests and actions.
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