Madam, - May I appeal, through your columns, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and any members of the Oireachtas who care about human rights, to put pressure on the Nigerian ambassador and government to forestall what would appear to be, the most homophobic piece of legislation ever enacted by a sovereign parliament.
The Abuja government is preparing to pass draconian measures, approved by the federal executive council, and now before the national assembly. The law proposes an automatic five-year prison term for homosexuality, or even for giving advice or support to lesbians and gay men. Aside from criminalising same-sex partnerships the laws object to "the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations" and "publicity, procession and public show of same-sex amorous relationship through the electronic or print media physically, directly, indirectly or otherwise". The legislation is supported by the ultra-conservative Anglican primate of Nigeria, Peter Ankinola. He is also Archbishop of Province III, which includes northern parts of the country where homosexuality carries a death sentence under Muslim Sharia law.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an opponent of Ankinola, has strongly condemned the proposed legislation as akin to the treatment of black South Africans under the apartheid regime. The US Department of State has objected to it as a contravention of Nigeria's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
I would urge Irish legislators and diplomats to do the same. - Yours, etc,
DAVID WILKINS, Kilmantain Park, Bray, Co Wicklow.