Human Rights Groups Condemn Nigeria Anti-Gay Measure

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/03/032306nigeria.htm

In advance of a planned state visit to the US next week 16 human rights groups are telling Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to withdraw legislation that would allow for the imprisonment of people in same-sex relationships and leaders of LGBT advocacy groups.

In an open letter to Obasanjo the groups, including the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Watch, say the proposed law contravenes international law, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and undermines Nigeria’s struggle to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

"This draconian measure will only intensify prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation," said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch.

"The bill criminalizes public expressions of love and any defense of lesbian and gay rights, denying fundamental freedoms that should be enjoyed by all Nigerians."

The whole freaking world is out to get us.

It would be kind of cool in a science fiction sort of way if you could put the book down and shudder and be thankful it couldn't happen here, but . . . .

damn. What a world this place is turning out to be.