Press Release - Changing Attitude Nigeria responds to Government proposals to outlaw same-sex marriage

15 February 2006

 

Press release
15 February 2006

Changing Attitude Nigeria responds to Government proposals to outlaw same-sex marriage

Many people from the press in Nigeria and from other countries have contacted Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria asking for comment on the proposed Government Bill outlawing same-sex marriage. Davis has remained silent, praying and thinking about what to say but now has some answers.

  • The proposed Government bill gives a clear signal to the world that gays and lesbians really do exist not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa.
     
  • There is freedom of association and speech in Nigeria and human rights which must be respected.
     
  • Nigeria is a secular state. The Government should concentrate on good governance and give protection to gay and lesbian Nigerians to ensure that we can live in peace in our society.
     
  • The Nigerian Government should not be using time and energy to attack and deny the human rights of lesbian and gay people . We are children of God who have been created to enjoy and affirm our God-given sexual nature.
     
  • The disclaimer and press release issued against me by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the frequent threatening phone calls and emails to me are showing to the world how the Church and the Nigerian Government are homophobic and are prepared to use any means to silent the voices of innocent, vulnerable people.
     
  • The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has committed itself in the Windsor Report and Resolution 1.10 of the Lambeth Conference 1998 to listen to gay and lesbian experience. It is shocking to discover that in direct contravention of these commitments, the Church is attacking individual gay Christians and attempting to destroy the new work of groups like Changing Attitude Nigeria.
     
  • The Church should commit itself to mission and evangelism and the Good News of Jesus Christ in the life of all her members. The Church should protect the safety of all minorities and people who are subject to prejudice, including lesbian and gay people. The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as a signatory to Resolution 1.10 has assured lesbian and gay people “that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.”

Davis Mac-Iyalla
Director Changing Attitude Nigeria
+234 80 25866133
Email: davis@nigeria.changingattitude.org

END