I know that my opinions on organized religion are not exactly the norm and I also do realize that there are times where I am tough on organized religions. That said, I really do think religion is great when used in the right context. Now having said that piece, I can’t understand how some religions are so extreme.
Nigeria has some pretty tough anti-gay laws. Nigeria also has the most Muslims in Africa. That said, Muslim law (the actual civil law) forbids homosexuality. I’m not talking about gays can’t adopt or get married (which is still disgusting and wrong) but being gay is actualy a straight up crime in any Arab nation. Basically what that means is that you can and will be prosecuted for being homosexual. I should also mention that women are second class citizens in any Islam nation as well. I have NOTHING against the Muslim religion. I am simply stating facts. You can check out a list of Islam nations here. One more quick note: Under Islamic law, a homosexual can be sentenced to death by stoning. Same for women that disrespect” their husbands. Lastly, men can have more than 1-wife. Sadly, this may include immediate family.
Back to the story. A Nigerian man received 20 lashings by order of an Islamic court for being gay. The story doesn’t end here. There is currently a real life witch-hunt situation in Nigeria. Officials are actively looking to find gays and bring them to “justice”. The deputy head of the Hisbah in Kano state, Usman Nabahani told the news that the anti-gay laws were a “welcomed development” and “Definitely, we will work tirelessly toward the enforcement of this law by the special grace of God,”. Special grace of God eh?
As if that wasn’t enough, he added “Obviously, we will embark on similar raids on gays and lesbians in Kano,”. “From now on, we will go into every nook and corner of Kano state to ensure that (the prohibition of) prostitution, gay marriages, marriages of the same sex and consumption of alcohol… is fully complied with, so that we can have a decent society….We are given more power, we are given more support now to wage serious war against these issues.”.
Adam
/ January 16, 2014Truly horrible. I appreciate you drawing attention to this. It turns my stomach.
MJB
/ January 16, 2014Isn’t it so sick? Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.