Open Letter To President Barack Obama
Re: Repeal of Nigeria Anti-Gay Law
Dear President Barack Obama,
Imagine living in a country where you can be tortured or killed for being gay. While the United States is making great leaps for marriage equality for all, Nigeria recently passed the harshest anti-gay law in Africa – punishing my community with 14 years in prison, simply for loving who you love. This is the reason why with me, equality lovers all over the world are petitioning the new Nigerian president, urging him to repeal the anti-gay law.
Growing up gay in Nigeria was a horrific experience. I was constantly told that people like me were sinful, shameful and evil. When I finally summoned the courage to be myself, I was arrested, tortured and extorted by the Nigerian police.
While I am now seeking asylum in the UK, things have not gotten better for my community in Nigeria. Last year the country passed the “Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill” which punishes same-sex marriage with up to 14 years in prison, 10 years for same-sex “amorous relationships” and 10 years for membership in LGBT equality organizations.
Nigeria’s new president, Mohammadu Buhari can choose to repeal this homophobic and unconstitutional law. Next week, President Buhari will be in the United States to meet with you, President Obama. Please intervene just as is contained in the words of Linda Thomas-Greenfield, American Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs that:
“As a government, it is one the highest priorities and strongest values that discrimination against anyone based on their sexual orientation and gender identity is wrong. We believe human rights should be available to everybody. As a policy, we will continue to press the government of Nigeria, as well as other governments who have provided legislation that discriminate against the LGBT community. This is very much a work in progress, but I think you will agree with me that the law in Nigeria really went far in discriminating against this community but also people who associate with them. So, we will continue to press the government, to press legislature to change these laws and provide human rights for all Nigerian people regardless of their sexual orientation”.
President Buhari is seeking U.S. resources to help combat the terrorists of Boko Haram, but his government is allowing anti-LGBT mob attacks, mass arrests, public whippings, evictions and harassment. I therefore urge you, President Obama to please make it clear that the U.S. will not support a regime that allows this treatment of the gay community.
Thanking you for your anticipated engagement in this matter.
Aderonke Apata, Founder of African Rainbow Family
17th July 2015
You can DOWNLOAD the letter.
July 18, 2015 at 11:24 pm
I sincerely hope that President Obama will find the strength of the majority of African-Americans to support him in any endeavour he may make to cause his opposite Nigerian Head of State to consider with favour the repealing of all those Nigerian Laws that shackle all of its people to an age that has now long passed.
And yes, all people of Goodwill will recognise that even if such enactments happened, only a strongly backed programme of Education, geared to today’s world, and the future, will be of real help in assisting a fine people to accept what will be for many, some very difficult changes.
Until then, please let there be no more hate, violence and prejudice based on former … and now discredited theories, … that has eaten away, like a cancer, at the minds of otherwise, very many God-fearing people indeed.
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July 19, 2015 at 12:28 am
It shoot be legall
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July 19, 2015 at 6:23 pm
Mr. President you opened the door to equality for lgbt. Go a step further as I know you can, and put your 2cents in this controversy. No one should die because of their sexual preference. Thanks to you, LGBT Americans can walk down the streets now, and not feel persecution for their lifestyles. Help those overseas in any way your presidential authority allows you. On a personal note, thank you for the affordable care act. It’s a lifesaver for me………….
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June 14, 2016 at 12:52 am
It is not a matter of buhari Mr president but to all leaders of Nigeria, they should grow, advance and reform in their way of thinking and doing things…
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June 25, 2018 at 7:37 am
great
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