Mass Nigerian arrests for 'homosexual acts' in Lagos State
More than 40 men have been arrested in Nigeria over the weekend for performing homosexual acts, police say. They are due to appear in court later.
Nigerian newspaper Punch reports
that the police raided a hotel in Lagos State on Saturday afternoon and
says the hotel was cordoned off while the investigation was carried
out.
Homosexual acts are punishable by up to 14 years in jail in
Nigeria, while gay marriage and displays of same-sex affection are also
banned.
The
event that was raided was to raise awareness about HIV testing in the
gay community in Lagos, activist for gay rights in Nigeria Bisi Alimi
told the BBC.
Same-sex relations are explicitly banned in 72 countries, according
to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex
Association (ILGA).
The number of states that criminalise same-sex relations is
decreasing annually, though, with Belize and the Seychelles repealing
such laws last year.
Nigeria is one of a small number of countries which has gone against a global trend.
The country has had a ban on gay relationships since 1901, and in 2013 also outlawed same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.
BBC
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