The Creative Africa Initiative is organizing a supposed debate, but the Nigerian government has denied any involvement. The organization utilized counterfeit letters on out-of-date ministry letterheads, allegedly proposing a debate on the theme of “Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria,” according to the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo. This has sparked worries since the debate topic goes against the laws that now prohibit Same-Sex Marriage in Nigeria as well as the country’s cultural and religious beliefs.
In June 2021, the Basic and Secondary Education Department was dissolved. The government pointed out that the fake document had a reference number from that department. To identify and apprehend the forger, the ministry has enlisted the assistance of Security services, such as the State Security Services (SSS). In regards to educational programs, the government requests that the public ignore the misleading information and wait for official announcements. An supposed discussion on legalizing same-gender marriage, allegedly arranged by the Creative Africa Initiative, has been categorically refuted by the Nigerian government.
It is against the law for people of the same sex to be married.
Few people were aware of this organization before; it has a limited public record and little is known about its past or history. The Ministry of Education stated in a recent statement that the group utilized counterfeit documents bearing the Ministry’s out-of-date letterheads. Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry’s spokeswoman, represented the Ministry. The letters suggested a discussion on the hotly contested subject of Nigerian same-gender marriage legalization. They were distributed to education commissioners in several states. It is against the law for people of the same sex to be married or form a civil union in Nigeria according to the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014.
Anybody found guilty of encouraging or participating in this form of marriage may spend up to 14 years in jail under this statute. Holding hands or sharing a kiss in public are examples of this relationship behaviours that are illegal and carry sentences of up to 10 years in prison. International Human Rights organizations have sharply criticized this law, claiming that it violates the rights of LGBTQ+ people. The fake letters were met with a prompt response from the administration.
LGBTQ+ activists worry about the risks that LGBTQ+ persons confront.
Ms. Boriowo underlined, saying, “The Creative Africa Initiative and the discourse it supposedly aims to advance are not affiliated with the Federal Ministry of Education in any way. We request that all parties involved ignore the fraudulent correspondence and wait for the Ministry to formally announce any upcoming discussions or additional educational endeavors.” The State Security Services (SSS) and other security organizations have been enlisted by the Ministry to look into the source of the fake letters and find the people who did them. Given that homosexuality is severely condemned by both cultural and religious beliefs in Nigeria, the proposed debate topic is especially delicate there.
With a sizable Muslim population in the north and a predominately Christian population in the south, Nigeria is a strongly religious nation. Homosexual actions are largely condemned by both Islam and Christianity in Nigeria, and there is little societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. The revelation of the fake debate letters has elicited a range of responses from the public. The government’s decision to stay out of the promotion of same-sex marriage legalization was welcomed by many Nigerians, especially those who hold conservative beliefs. Notwithstanding, human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ activists have expressed apprehension regarding the pervasive homophobia prevalent in Nigeria and the risks that LGBTQ+ persons confront.
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According to an activist, “The very fact that this could be used as a tool to create fear or tension highlights the precarious position of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria.” Any conversation about LGBT rights is challenging given Nigeria’s cultural and religious context. Due to the influence of traditional values and religious teachings, the majority of Nigerians believe that homosexuality is wrong. Due to the sensitive nature of both Culture and religion, it was imperative that the government immediately distance itself from the proposed debate in order to preserve social order and avert social upheaval.