CALABAR, Nigeria – Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State Assembly, has called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in organizing what is alleged to have been a gay party in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
The Speaker’s call came through a statement issued on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, by his Chief Press Secretary, Matthew Okache, and was in reaction to reports of a party that took place on June 30, 2023, at a hotel in the Ekorinim area of Calabar.
In the statement, Ayambem stressed that “gayism is a crime in Cross River state”, and he expressed concern about reports that minors were present at the event, making the gathering “unlawful”.
Ayambem also urged hospitality operators within the state to exercise diligence and responsibility by ensuring that no hotel or club admits persons below the age of 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Speaker warned that any individual or organization connected to the event or similar activities should desist or face legal consequences.
“It will be recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan on January 7, 2014, signed the same-sex marriage prohibition bill into law,” the statement reads.
“The law imposes a 14-year jail term on anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union. Similarly, it imposes a 10-year sentence on individuals or groups, including religious leaders, who witness, abet, or aid the solemnization of same-sex marriage or union. Also, a 10-year prison sentence is imposed on those who directly or indirectly make a public show of same-sex amorous relationship or supporters of such groups.”
This call for action underscores the stringent legal environment surrounding LGBTQ+ issues in Nigeria.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about the criminalization of same-sex relationships in the country and the effect it has on the well-being and safety of the LGBTQ+ community.
