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Monday 31 July 2017

Over 40 men arrested in Nigeria for "performing homosexual acts"

A total of 42 men were arrested in Nigeria over the weekend for "performing homosexual acts".

It follows a police raid in Lagos state at a hotel on Saturday, which locals say is known for "harbouring" homosexuals, as they put it!

The men will appear in court and could face up to 14 years in prison if they are found "guilty".

It comes in a week that the U.K. marked the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, which partly decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales 50 years ago.

This story reminds us that though we have come a long way, LGBT+ people are still subjected to the most horrendous discrimination around the world.

Laws against gay people in Nigeria were actually enhanced in 2013, under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, gay sex and same-sex unions were added to the list of things which are outlawed in the country.

The law states that if people enter any form of same-sex union they are liable for 14 years in prison.

Meanwhile those who "witness, abet or aide solemnisation" of same-sex marriage or civil unions can face up to 10 years in jail.

You don't even need to be LGBT+ to be prosecuted. Earlier this year 53 people were charged, accused of attending a same sex wedding.

So while the U.K. celebrates very important mile stones in terms of LGBT+ equality, we have to remember the rest of the world, and the struggles LGBT+ people still endure.

Pink News have started a petition calling for an end to anti-LGBT+ discrimination in Nigeria, you can sign it - HERE

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