Photos: Global protests of Nigeria’s anti-gay law
Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…
Scenes from today’s Global Day of Action protests against Nigeria’s new anti-gay law …
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.
“We should also not forget our LGBT friends who are also suffering in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and The Congo.” Jane Wothaya, Kenya, Human Rights Campaign, in front of Nigeria Embassy today.
On Jan 14, 2014, Nigeria enacted a bill that imposes a 14-year prison sentence for same-sex marriage and 10 years for supporting LGBT organizations. Dozens have been arrested since the bill was passed in December. Mob violence against LGBT people in Nigeria has increased. Today, the Nigerian LGBT community and their friends, families and allies live in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Nearly 95,000 people have signed an online petition against the law.
The protesters seek an end to violent and legalized homophobia, social injustice and systematic violations of fundamental human rights.
NEW YORK, U.S.
Report via Facebook from the New York event, which numbered about 400 protesters:
Packed event in NYC today. Lots of people were arrested for civil disobedience. But in the end, our voices are heard.
Nine activists from the local HIV-advocacy organization Housing Works were arrested for blocking traffic, the group said.
PROTESTING IN NIGERIA TOO
The message from besieged LGBT Nigerians: We are Nigerians and we are here to stay!
SUPPORT FROM ZIMBABWE
The message to Nigerian protesters from the group Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe: “Zimbabweans stand in solidarity with you.”
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Protesters at the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm included Miles Rutendo Tanhira, who is a frequent contributor to the Erasing 76 Crimes blog.
LONDON, ENGLAND
The event in London was a huge turnout and success, said Nigerian activist Bisi Alimi.
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p style=”text-align:center;”>Veteran LGBT rights activist Peter Tatchell (left) joined the protest.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
The message from Brussels: From Belgium with Love.
Related articles
- March 7 protests to focus on Nigeria’s anti-gay law (76crimes.com)
- Clampdown continues on Nigeria’s LGBT community (newint.org)
- Whoopi Goldberg has a message for Nigeria, Uganda (76crimes.com)
- AIDS could rebound as Nigeria gets harsh anti-gay law (76crimes.com)
I was hoping to see Vancouver in there too! We hit the streets with ya! 😉 #istandwith9jaLGBT
Point us to a photo of the Vancouver protest and we’ll add it to that article.
— Colin Stewart, editor of this blog
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