Tuesday 14 January 2014
Another attack again by Boko haram in maiduguri
A car bomb has exploded in the north-eastern
Nigerian city of Maiduguri, and there are fears
of many casualties.
Blood-spattered people were seen fleeing and
vehicles crashed into each other, while soldiers fired
automatic weapons.
A suicide bomber is suspected of being behind the
blast, reportedly near a market.
The Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has carried
out numerous attacks in the region.
Its campaign of violence is aimed at imposing Islamic
rule in northern Nigeria.
The military confirmed to the BBC that an explosion
had occurred, but did not give a figure for casualties.
An eyewitness said he had seen what appeared to be
dead bodies on the ground, and another spoke of
seven fatalities.
A second car is reported to have been set on fire by
the blast
President Jonathan signed in same sex marriage ban
President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has signed a
bill that makes same-sex relationships illegal.
According to Voice of America, the bill contains
penalties up to 14 years in prison, and has banned
membership into gay rights organizations.
In countries like the United States, homosexuality is
beginning to modernize itself, with marriage being
an option in some states, while in some African
countries the law is being updated with heavier
punishments.
According to Reuters, some Western countries, as
well as Britain have threatened to cut aid to
governments who pass anti-homosexual laws. This
has helped delay any bills being passed because
some nations are dependent, like Uganda. However,
Nigeria has a $2 million barrel of oil per day budget.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, “Beyond even
prohibiting same sex marriage, this law dangerously
restricts freedom of assembly ... and expression for
all Nigerians."
This bill was passed in May by the National
Assembly, and has been delayed by President
Jonathan until now
Face 10 year jail gay
Those who go to gay clubs in Nigeria now face 10
years in jail
Gay rights activists have expressed fears about
Nigeria's tightening of laws against
homosexuals.
New legislation, signed into law by the president
without announcement, bans same-sex marriages,
gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.
It is already illegal to have gay sex in Nigeria - now
same-sex couples could face up to 14 years in prison.
Nigerian activist Bisi Alimi told the BBC the law
would also affect those trying to assist gay people.
"You're not allowed to provide services to anyone
who is perceived to be homosexual," said Mr Alimi,
who heads the UK-based gay rights group
Kaleidoscope International Diversity Trust.
"When you say that services will not be provided,
what you're saying is that HIV services that are
catering for men who have sex with men will have to
stop," he told the BBC's Newsday programme.
The new law recommends prison sentences of up to
10 years for anyone who participates in gay clubs or
organisations and for same-sex couples who publicly
show affection.
"Any person who registers, operates or participates
in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or
indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous
relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall
each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in
prison," the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act says.
'Heckled and booed'
The act, which was adopted by the Senate in 2011
and passed by the lower house of parliament last
May, was signed by President Goodluck Jonathan
earlier this month.
"This is a law that is in line with the people's cultural
and religious inclination. So it is a law that is a
reflection of the beliefs and orientation of Nigerian
people," presidential spokesman Reuben Abati told
the Associated Press news agency.
According to AP, the few Nigerian gay and human
rights activists who tried to give evidence last year
during the parliamentary debate were heckled and
booed until one broke into tears and another could
not be heard.
The US has also expressed its concern about the new
legislation.
It dangerously restricted "freedom of assembly,
association and expression for all Nigerians", US
Secretary of State John Kerry said.
He said the act was "inconsistent with Nigeria's
international legal obligations and undermines the
democratic reforms and human rights protections
enshrined in its 1999 constitution".
A number of other African nations have already made
homosexuality punishable by jail sentences.
In December, Ugandan MPs passed a bill increasing
sentences for homosexual acts to life in jail and
making it punishable by a prison term not to report
gay people.
The controversial legislation has yet to be signed into
law by the Ugandan president
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