Jide Macaulay, a British-Nigerian pastor, expressed his disapproval of the arrest of individuals at a same-sex wedding in Delta state.
The Delta State Police Command arrested over 100 individuals suspected of participating in a gay wedding ceremony held in a hotel in Warri.
Taking to his Instagram page, the Chaplain at St. Peter’s House, the chaplaincy of Manchester’s Universities, said that the LGBTQ community is not a threat to the nation.
He wrote, “Recent reports from Nigeria reveal the arrest of around 100 individuals at a supposedly same-sex wedding event,’ he wrote.
“This incident highlights the restrictions on gatherings and social interactions for queer individuals in Nigeria, prompting concerns about the increasing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The Same-sex Marriage Prohibition Act bans marriage, not socialization.
Rather than addressing genuine security concerns, these actions seem to exacerbate the difficulties experienced by LGBTQ+ people. It’s important to recognise that the LGBTQ+ community is not a threat to the nation; their desire is simply to live without interference.
“Redirecting law enforcement resources toward addressing insurgent activities and preventing hate crimes could be a more effective use of Nigeria’s police forces.
“The prevailing perception of corruption and brutality within the Nigerian police raises concerns about their understanding and application of the law.
“It’s crucial to note that the existing anti-gay legislation primarily aims to prosecute same-sex relationships and intimate encounters, rather than social interactions.”
“Allowing LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria to live openly and peacefully should be a priority.
“The anguish expressed by the LGBTQ+ community resonates deeply, as they navigate an environment marked by hostility and anxiety.
“In this challenging time, I express my solidarity with LGBTQ+ Nigerians, both within the country and beyond its borders.”
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