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