It is no longer news that President Jonathan signed into law the Nigeria's new "Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act," banning gay marriage and also criminalising homosexual clubs, associations, and organizations. The penalties are up to 14 years in jail.
The law which is welcomed by many Nigerians has been condemned widely by the Western community.
The U.S Secretary of State, on Monday said the United States was "deeply concerned" by a law that "dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association, and expression for all Nigerians."
While the buzz created by the news of this law is yet to die down, one cannot help but wonder what are the consequences of this law in Nigeria? What happens from here? What are the aftermaths? The questions can go on and on.
I am worried about the amount of power this law seem to have passed on to the already corrupt Nigerian politicians, the police and the judiciary. Is this another means of victimisation and molestation of the common Nigerian? I am also concerned about the ordinary Nigerian in the streets.
A group of same sex friends can be having a drink up or a meet up and end up being accused as having gay association. Several scenarios are popping in to my head. Unscrupulous individuals and the 'money miss roads' who take laws into their hands can cash in on this to send persons they dislike to jail just by labelling them as gay.
Many key questions come to mind. Is Nigeria ready for this? Considering the level of credibility existing within the Judiciary, Security, and Politcal systems. Is 14 year jail term not too long?
As touchy and sensitive as this matter may be to almost every Nigerian, these are just my thoughts. I guess we can only hope for the better while we wait to see how this unfolds.
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