US President, Joe Biden has issued a presidential memorandum to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) people worldwide.
Biden threatened to sanction countries that have refused to make laws to accommodate the LGBTQI.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is categorized as a homophobic country due to its anti-gay posture. Everyevery.ng gathered that the sanctions might include financial punishment.
President Biden opined that foreign governments’ failure to respect the rights of LGBTQI contributes to a climate of intolerance.
According to him, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.
He added that all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity.
LGBTQI
Meanwhile, Biden directs US agencies working in foreign countries to work harder to combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBTQ status or conduct.
You will recall that Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-Sex-Marriage (Prohibition) Act in January 2014, making Nigeria a leading ant-LGBTQI country in Africa.
The anti-gay laws in Nigeria prescribe between 10 and 14 years in prison for anyone caught flouting the law.
It was gathered that the law prohibits the cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners, public show of same-sex relationship, registration, operation or participation in gay clubs, societies and organization.
