Canada faults Nigeria over ‘criminalization’ of gay marriage

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, Tuesday expressed concern about criminalization of homosexuality in Nigeria.

In a terse press statement issued by the Canadian Embassy and made available to journalists in Abuja, Baird called on Nigeria to repeal the law.

He also urged Nigeria government to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Nigerians regardless of their sexual orientation.

He said, “Canada has clearly spoken out against human rights violations committed against people on the basis of their sexuality, and we will continue to do so.

“Canada is deeply concerned that Nigeria has adopted a law that further criminalizes homosexuality. This law can be used to impose prison sentences of up to 14 years.

“We call on Nigeria to repeal this law and to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Nigerians regardless of their sexual orientation.

“Canada has clearly spoken out against human rights violations committed against people on the basis of their sexuality, and we will continue to do so.”