by Toks Ero

 

Let me state, first of all, that I am unequivocally against the sexual orientation and activity of gays, lesbians and bisexuals

I am forced to write this article based on an observation. I am an avid watcher of Hollywood movies and series. I have observed the frequent inclusion of gay themes in a deliberate and calculated attempt to present the practice as normal and acceptable. People (especially youths) should beware!

Sometime ago, social media and blogosphere was awash with news and reactions to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan assenting to a bill outlawing gay relationships and same-sex marriage and signing same into law as a criminal offence for which offenders could get between 10 to 14 years jail term.

The law also stipulates as a crime meeting of homosexuals, operation or attendance of a gay club, society or organization, public display of intimate affection by people of the same sex for which offenders can bag up to 10 years.

Let me state, first of all, that I am unequivocally against the sexual orientation and activity of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. But I am not against the people who practice same.

At that time, going through my twitter timeline and some accompanying links and reading the comments and arguments from responders, I was forced to engage in a deliberate consideration of all the arguments and points raised in an attempt to reach a definite conclusion as to where I stand on the issue and the different provisions of the law.

My views are based mainly on Christian ethics and the philosophy of “Live and Let Live”. The Bible book of Matthew chapter seven, verse one instructs us “Do not judge…”; therefore, my views should not be misconstrued as a judgment or condemnation of gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

Let me state, again, for the purpose of emphasis and clarity, and to prevent any ambiguity, misconceptions, misperceptions and misquotation, that I am unequivocally against the sexual orientation and activity of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. But I am not against the people who practice same.

I believe that as humans, we should try as much as possible to see things from other people’s perspective in an attempt to understand their circumstances. When gays, lesbians and bisexuals argue that their sexual orientation is natural just like straight people, I believe and agree with them. Their natural inclination is not more condemnable than flirting, drug addiction or any other malaise. Apostle Paul in the Bible book of Romans chapter seven, verse fifteen says “I do not understand what I do; for I don’t do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate”. This passage is an indication that Apostle Paul struggled with some unstated behaviour(s) which he regarded as condemnable and meant to be discontinued. What I find appalling is their acceptance of their situation as natural and acceptable. They should acknowledge that they have a problem and seek help. Their circumstance may seem natural but I believe it is demonically induced. I honestly believe that gays, lesbians and bisexuals are possessed; therefore they need to be delivered, not punished. What this group of people need is love, deliverance and counselling; not punishment, hate or stigmatization.

While I am in support of the anti-gay law, I do not support some of its provisions. Despite their unusual sexual orientation, gays, lesbians and bisexuals are bona fide members of society and should not be treated otherwise. Their sexual orientation should not be labelled criminal as long as it is between consenting adults, does not extend its boundaries to rape or infringe on the rights and liberties of others. Philosopher Jeremy Bentham argued that homosexualism is victimless and therefore not deserving of criminal charges. I second this opinion. I consider the stipulated punishment under this law rather extreme and harsh. It is my submission that the anti-gay law should be decriminalized.

For those against this law in its totality, it is a popular decision as over 95% of Nigerians are opposed to same-sex relationships/marriage according to a survey by Pew Research Centre, U.S.

The government should be commended for defying international/western pressure and condemnation. Like Macky Sall, Senegal’s president once said, other countries should refrain from imposing their values beyond their borders. That a certain code of conduct is permissible in western nations is no license for them to pressure and expect us to adopt same. Western nations do not possess any divine authority to determine the characteristics of civil conduct.

I believe that there should be a deliberate and calculated attempt by societies to regulate both individual and collective conduct. I find it appalling that many societies are beginning to regard and accept the conduct of gays, lesbians and bisexuals as normal. If this can happen, it is only a matter of time before sex with animals and children will come to be regarded and accepted as normal conduct. While I will not want to be an Alarmist, I fear that we are subtly and gradually proceeding in that direction. Encouraging same-sex relationships/marriage will become the catalyst needed to legitimize other perversions and foster full blown moral chaos. Just what the devil wants!

Same-sex relationship/marriage is wrong and is a sin. It is a sin against God. Many religions consider it as wrong. The devil is at work in the lives of such individuals and in the societies that have accepted their conduct. Same-sex relationships are an attempt by the devil to undermine the natural order of God and desecrate the divine institution of marriage. Leviticus chapter eighteen verses 22 clearly states that “thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination”. The following chapters tell us of the grave consequences of such actions upon the individuals and the land.

Our country, Nigeria evidently has more than enough problems. It is probably a good thing that we are not about to compound it by annoying God with encouraging same-sex relationships/marriages.

How can gays justify their relationship and seek to adopt kids produced by heterosexuals? How can they consider their conduct as natural when males cannot impregnate males, likewise, females? What sexual orientation do we expect same sex couples to show and teach the kids they adopt? All of these questions beg for answers.

 

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