Former Nigerian President, who signed anti-LGBT law, says country could allow marriage equality
The homophobic former President of Nigeria has said the country may revisit laws banning same-sex marriage.
Goodluck Jonathan, who served as president until he was defeated last year, has said that the nation may revisit anti-LGBT legislation as part of its quest for equality.
Speaking at the European Headquarters of Bloomsberg in London, he said there is need for Nigeria to revisit laws as the world continues to push for equal rights.
He said: “When it comes to equality, we must all have the same rights as Nigerian citizens.
“The nation may at the appropriate time revisit the law in the light of deepening debates for all Nigerians and other citizens of the world to be treated equally and without discrimination and with the clear knowledge that the issue of sexual orientation is still evolving.”
Mr Jonathan’s comments come despite him signing the country’s most homophobic legislation into law.
The law which banned same-sex marriage also dictated anyone who doesn’t renounce a same-sex marriage they are in, faces 14 years in jail. It also dictates that 10 year sentences should be handed down to anyone who participates in a LGBT club, society or organisation or who displays affection to someone of the same sex publicly.
The African nation has not shied away for condemning the LGBT around the world. This weekend, a church in Nigeria cut ties with a UK based one for teaching parishioners to respect LGBT rights.
It also allegedly investigated the Swiss Ambassador on the belief he was gay.
