Still On The LGBT Matter, by Caroline Ogwuche
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Nigeria face legal and social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. The country does not allow or recognise LGBT rights hence few LGBT persons are open about their orientation and some are fleeing to countries that makes them feel protected.
In my opinion, the LGBT community is a way of life that should not be accepted in the society.According to the 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project, 97 percent of Nigerian residents believe that homosexuality is a way of life that society should not accept, which was the second highest rate of non-acceptance in the 45 countries surveyed. In 2015, a survey by an organisation founded by a Nigerian homosexual activist based in London claimed this percentage decreased to 94%. In a survey by Bisi Alimi, as of the same period the percentage of Nigerians who agree LGBT persons should receive education, healthcare, and housing is 30%.
Many views are held or have been expressed by religious organizations in relation to same-sex marriage. Arguments both in favor of and in opposition to same-sex marriage are often made on religious grounds and/or formulated in terms of religious doctrine. Although many of the world’s religions are opposed to same-sex marriage, the number of religious denominations that are conducting same-sex marriages have been increasing since 2010.
Marriage is a unique and sacred institution ,The Bible is so clear in its support of heterosexual marriage there is little need for us to go through an exhaustive definition of biblical marriage versus the types of unions allowed by law today. The Scriptures say in Genesis 2:24 that a man is to leave his family and cleave to his wife. in Islam same sex marriage is strongly forbidden.
If same sex marriage is allowed in the country it can lead to chronic social stress and mental health problems, it poses a negative externality on society. The health effects of same-sex sexual behavior are many. According to the gay, lesbian medical association LGBT activities could result in reduced life expectancy, sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STI/STD),cancer and even mental health stability.
I believe that the LGBT community shouldn’t be entertained in Nigeria because thier activities are bad for children, bad for marriages,bad for the society and also harmful to both our physical and mental health. the Nigerian government should take serious legal actions against those who practice this act.
Caroline Ogwuche is an intern at PR Nigeria Center Kano
