US Gay Marriage Ruling: We Say No!

THE United States Supreme Court crossed the
Rubicon when it ruled recently that same-sex
couples are legally permitted to marry.
It was a
judgement that sent homosexuals, lesbians, and
transgender people in America and elsewhere
cheering, while leaving opponents of such queer
marital unions in shock.
The ruling will also be considered a welcome
development in countries, especially in Europe,
that support gay marriage. The number of such
countries had risen to 18 as at June 26, 2015,
14 years since the Netherlands became the first
country in modern times to enact a law legalising
gay marriage in 2001.
But if reactions within and outside the US are
anything to go by, the apex court may not have
the last word on the matter.
Not surprisingly opposition to gay marriage is
strongest in Africa where, with the possible
exception of South Africa, 54 African countries
regard homosexualism as an aberration and a
taboo and have taken both legal and non-legal
steps to ensure that it did not take root or
flourish in their respective areas.
Nigeria had followed suit when the country’s
upper legislative chamber, the Senate, approved
a proposed law banning same-sex marriage and
imposing a 14-year jail term for those found
guilty, while anyone who assists gays to marry
gets a 10-year jail sentence. Some other African
countries have responded in similar fashion.
But given the well-known position of the
American government under President Barack
Obama to export and indeed impose the
obnoxious gay culture on countries opposed to it,
the Supreme Court’s endorsement of gay
marriage may be the weapon it needs to launch
a fresh offensive on African countries. Indeed,
from every indication diplomatic confrontations
between America and anti-gay countries may be
in the offing.
Nigeria must be ready to confront the offensive
and provide the needed leadership against it.
While Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan held sway as
President, Nigerians of all walks of life said a
resounding NO to gay practice, and he proceeded
to sign a Bill to that effect into law in January
2014. That position has not changed today. So,
the present administration under the leadership
of President Muhammadu Buhari must maintain
the status quo and not allow itself to be arm-
twisted under its current diplomatic romance
with the US and the West.
The position of the government on this matter
must remain in tandem with that of the people
under whose mandate it derives its authority.
Most of these countries embracing these taboo
practices as “human rights” have hit the zenith
of their social developments and are now in
moral decline.
We must hold strongly to the values and spiritual
principles that set us apart as Africans.