Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is concerned about the criminalisation of homosexuality in Nigeria.
In a statement by the Canadian Embassy in Abuja, yesterday Baird advised Nigeria torepeal the law.
The envoy also urged the Federal Government to promote and protect the human rights and freedom of Nigerians, regardless of their sexual orientation.
He said: “Canada has clearly spoken out against human rights violations committed against people on the basis of their sexuality, and will continue to do so.
“Canada is deeply concerned that Nigeria has adopted a law that further criminalises homosexuality. This law can be used to impose prison sentences of up to 14 years.
“We call on Nigeria to repeal this law and promote and protect the human rights and freedom of Nigerians, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“Canada has clearly spoken out against human rights violations committed against people on the basis of their sexuality, and will continue to do so.”
