"Are You All Homosexuals?"... Country Arrests 200 People in Wedding Hall Raid

by Heo Midam

Published 31 Aug.2023 13:24(KST)

Updated 31 Aug.2023 13:28(KST)

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Nigeria Bans Homosexuality
Prison Sentence Just for Seeing Same-Sex Marriage

Nigerian police raided a site presumed to be a wedding of homosexuals and arrested more than 200 people.

On the 30th (local time), according to The New York Times, CNN, and others, a spokesperson for the police in Delta State, southern Nigeria, held a press conference and stated, "We have arrested more than 200 guests at a same-sex couple's wedding," adding, "67 of them are expected to be prosecuted." This is the largest-scale arrest of homosexuals in recent years.

[Image source=Pixabay]

The spokesperson said, "We are in Nigeria," and "We do not have the same culture as (the West), so we cannot imitate the Western world." He continued, "(Same-sex marriage) is not common, and we do not want to reach that level," adding, "That is why we are taking action now."

Some of those arrested told reporters, "We were wearing skirts and crop tops for a fashion show." They said, "We are not homosexuals, and the event was a party, not a wedding."

Up to 14 Years Imprisonment for Same-Sex Marriage in Nigeria

Nigeria officially prohibits same-sex marriage. According to Nigerian criminal law, same-sex marriage can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, and those who witness or assist in a same-sex marriage can face up to 10 years imprisonment. Additionally, members of homosexual rights advocacy groups are also subject to imprisonment.

However, when the law was enacted, Western countries including the United States expressed concerns, citing violations of the human rights of homosexuals.

Some have pointed out that the anti-homosexuality law has fueled homophobia. Amnesty International Nigeria stated, "The law has made homophobia more brazen," and "It has provided a basis for human rights violations to be committed in Nigeria."