The Stream

Activists call to scrap Nigeria’s anti-gay law

LGBT rights supporters express solidarity with the country’s gay community in global day of action.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman confirmed that he had signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act on Jan. 7, 2014, providing penalties of up to 14 years in jail for a gay marriage. (AP/SUNDAY ALAMBA) 

Opponents of Nigeria’s anti-gay law are mobilising worldwide in solidarity with the country’s LGBT community. The demonstrations come two months after the government passed a bill into law criminalising same-sex relationships. 

In a global day of action, netizens are using hashtag #IStandWith9jaLGBT Friday to support those affected by the law, which prohibits marriage between people of the same sex. Offenders face punishment of up to 14 years in prison.