Human Rights Agencies Fear Nigeria’s Anti-Gay Law Will Fuel Violence, Risk Blocking HIV Reponse

Two articles report on Nigeria’s anti-gay law and the impact it may have on health and human rights in the country.

Reuters: U.N. chief Ban fears Nigeria anti-gay law will fuel violence
“U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern on Wednesday at a new Nigerian law that criminalizes same-sex relationships, which he fears could fuel prejudice and violence and risks obstructing an effective HIV/AIDS response. … As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, anti-gay sentiment and persecution of homosexuals is rife in Nigeria, so the new legislation is likely to be popular. Many African countries are seeking to tighten laws against homosexuality…” (Nichols, 1/15).

Science Speaks: Nigeria anti-gay law: community calls for support, advocates call for action
“With reports that police are arresting suspected ‘gay organization’ members in Nigeria following the President Goodluck Jonathan’s signing last week of the country’s ‘Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013,’ the impacts of the new law are just beginning, according to agencies and organizations addressing health and human rights…” (Barton, 1/15).

The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.

KFF Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400
Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone 202-347-5270

www.kff.org | Email Alerts: kff.org/email | facebook.com/KFF | twitter.com/kff

The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.