Over 200 Arrested at Suspected Gay Wedding in Nigeria

Nigeria, a country known for its strict anti-LGBTQ laws, has once again made headlines with the arrest of more than 200 people at a suspected gay wedding. This incident marks one of the largest mass arrests targeting the LGBTQ community in recent years.

The arrests took place in the southern Delta state, where police stated that 67 individuals will be prosecuted for allegedly conducting and attending a same-sex wedding ceremony. Same-sex relationships are criminalized in Nigeria, with a punishment of up to 14 years in prison for those convicted of entering into a same-sex civil union.

A police official, during a live broadcast, described the event as evil and emphasized that Nigeria should not copy the Western world, stating that the country should follow its own cultural norms.

However, some of the detained individuals claimed that they were not gay and were instead models and fashion designers. This raises concerns about the arbitrary nature of the arrests and the potential for discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

The incident has sparked international outrage, with Amnesty International Nigeria denouncing it as a witch-hunt. The human rights organization has called on the Delta state police to release the detained individuals, who were arrested and paraded to the media, and to put an immediate end to this witch-hunt.

Amnesty International Nigeria highlighted the abuse of the anti-LGBTQ laws for harassment, extortion, and blackmail, both by law enforcement officers and other members of the public. The organization stated that this is unacceptable, particularly in a society already plagued by corruption.

The police claimed to have obtained video evidence of the alleged wedding party and prohibited substances during the raid. Among the items reportedly recovered were drugs and ceremonial dresses associated with gay marriages.

This incident is not the first time the LGBTQ community has faced persecution in Nigeria. In 2018, 57 men were arrested during a police raid on a hotel in Lagos, all accused of homosexuality. These incidents highlight the continued challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the country.

The arrests in Delta state serve as a reminder of the ongoing discrimination and human rights violations against the LGBTQ community in Nigeria. While some progress has been made in the global fight for LGBTQ rights, many countries, including Nigeria, still maintain laws that criminalize same-sex relationships.

It is crucial for human rights organizations, activists, and global communities to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community in Nigeria. The international community must pressure the Nigerian government to address these human rights violations and work towards the decriminalization of same-sex relationships.

As the world continues to progress towards greater acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ individuals, it is disheartening to see the LGBTQ community in Nigeria subjected to such discrimination and persecution. The fight for equal rights and protection for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, must continue.

By raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting local LGBTQ organizations in Nigeria, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-30 News

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