CHANGING ATTITUDE NIGERIA NEWS

Report on the Hearing on the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibtion) Bill 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria

Thursday, 12 March 2009

The hearing took place in Hearing Room 3 of the National Assembly. 30 coalition members representing the LGBTI communities in Nigeria were present in the about 1000 capacity hall.

After the National anthem, opening prayers and introduction of guests at the high table, the welcome address was read by the Chairperson of the Committee on Women’s Affairs - Hon. Binta Masi.

Goodwill messages were presented by the National Human Rights Commission, the minister FMWA & SD, the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation.

The moderator introduced all the major stakeholders in the hall and our organization -- Changing Attitude Nigeria was recognised along with other LGBT and non-LGBT organizations.

The honourable speaker declared the event open. There was a heavy presence of the Anglican Church, most of them dressed in T-shirts with inscriptions like -- gay marriage is unnatural, gay lifestyle is sin in the eyes of God, etc.

They first called 10 organizations that had submitted their statements and wanted to present against the bill. Those who spoke against the bill included:
1. Queer Alliance
2. Changing Attitude Nigeria
3. Lawyers alert
4. The Independent Project
5. House of Rainbow - Metropolitan Community Church
6. Concerned Nigerians Abroad
7. CYPRAD
8. Boaboa
9. Coalition for the defence of human rights10. Increase11. Global Rights

We all presented and spoke well, addressing the facts. It was observed that there was no Muslim representation in the hearing. The representative of the honourable minister -- Ojo Maduekwe, denied the accusation that the minister said that LGBT people do not exist in Nigeria. He said the minister only said that there is no organised LGBT movement and no strong desire for same sex marriages in Nigeria.

Those who spoke for the bill to be passed included:
1. Daughters of Sarah
2. Church of Nigeria-Anglican Communion
3. Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja
4. Fellowship of Christian Patriots.

Some individuasl that were not representing any organization also spoke for or against the bill. The Honourable House members also spoke on their personal views which was strictly personal and of course most of them were very antagonistic and spoke with hatred of LGBT people. Two Honourable members were however a bit friendly and said that efforts should be made to determine if LGBT orientation is by choice. If it is not by choice, then people cannot be punished for what is not their fault.

There was a heavy controversy between me and the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) when I mentioned how Archbishop Akinola and the bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) have committed themselves to the process of listening to LGBT people in the Lambeth Conference 1998 Resolution 1.10. Being committed to listen to LGBT people and coming to the hearing to support the bill is not honest. The representative of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) took offence and denied that.

Brothers and Sisters, please pray very hard so that this bill will not be passed.

Mr Patrick O
Leader of Lagos Group, Changing Attitude Nigeria

Telephone 01380 724908
E-mail office@changingattitude.org

This page was last updated on Monday, 18 August 2008