Eighteen Nigerian Men Accused of Sodomy, Face Death by Stoning
The BBC and Edge recently reported that eighteen men had allegedly traveled to a Bauchi State in Nigeria with intent to celebrate a gay wedding. According to reports, the men were arrested in a hotel and were allegedly wearing women’s clothing.
The judge overseeing the case, Malam Tanimu, ordered that the men would be sent to prison after they were arraigned on Wednesday. Seven years ago, Islamic Sharia law came into power and it has remained that way in Northern Nigeria ever since.
According to the police officers and judges dealing with this case, the consensus is that the men have broken Sharia law. Homosexuality is not the only sexual cause for death in Sharia law. Adultery can also lead to a death sentence. However, of all of these types of cases that led to a death sentence none of them have actually been carried out. Some have even been reversed.
According to the BBC, some lesser offenses could include amputation and whippings. Nigeria is a highly conservative place, especially when it comes to homosexuality. In fact, the Nigerian government has gone to great lengths to even try and ban gay rights groups.
Apparently, all GLBT groups have a cause to be worried in Nigeria. Recently, a transgendered male-to-female was caught living as a woman. She got off light with just six months in prison.
Nigeria, Gay, GLBT, Arrest, Death
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