Tomorrow, Friday, March 7 at 12.15pm, the Equality Network, Scotland’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity, will hold a national protest in Edinburgh against anti-gay laws recently passed in Nigeria and Uganda.
The new laws punish LGBT people with up to life imprisonment for acts of “aggravated homosexuality” in Uganda and fourteen years in Nigeria. The laws also criminalise the “promotion” and “recognition” of same-sex relationships.
The Equality Network say the impact of the law is likely to make it almost impossible for people to be openly LGBT in those countries, and will severely restrict the work of human rights organisations and LGBT support groups in the country.
The Equality Network intends to send a message to LGBT people in Uganda and Nigeria that Scotland stands with them. We will also be calling for action from the UK Government to stand up for human rights internationally.
They will be joined by human rights supporters, trade unions and students groups; as well as an African drummer and Scottish piper to symbolize the strong Scottish African ties. The protest will coincide with other coordinated protests across the globe called for by Nigerian and Ugandan LGBT activists.
As Scotland hosts both Uganda and Nigeria during the commonwealth games and the eyes of the commonwealth are on Scotland, the Equality Network say it’s important to send a strong message supporting human rights.
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