The European Union has reacted to last week’s passage of anti-same-sex marriage Bill by Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
The Bill recommends 14 years jail term for offenders.
The EU described the Bill as seeking to restrict Nigerians’ freedom of expression, association and assembly.
In a statement issued by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, she posited that the EU neither encourages nor discourages people of same sex getting married, but insisted their rights must be protected.
The statement reads: “I am concerned that Nigerian law makers have voted to accept a bill that would criminalise same sex marriage.
“The EU seeks neither to promote nor discourage same sex marriages, but has been clear it opposes discrimination or any form of legislation that seeks to persecute someone on the basis of sexual orientation.
“The EU also opposes any restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly, or persecution of those who defend these freedoms.”
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