Leave Gays, Lesbians Alone, Focus On Insecurity – Pastor Tells Nigerian Gov’t, Police

An unapologetic British-Nigerian gay pastor, Jide Macaulay, has lampooned the Nigerian government and security operatives over the recent arrest of some individuals at a same-sex wedding ceremony in Delta State.

The Delta Police Command had announced earlier that it arrested over 100 gay suspects in the South-South state, Naija News reports.

The police command disclosed this in a post via its Twitter page on Tuesday, noting that the suspects were arrested at a suspected gay wedding ceremony at a hotel in the state.

The command added that the suspects would soon be paraded for the whole world to see them.

Reacting to the development, however, Macaulay, who is the Chaplain at St. Peter’s House, the chaplaincy of Manchester’s Universities, said the LGBTQ community is not a threat to Nigeria.

He charged the government and concerned security operatives to focus on more serious challenges bedevilling the country and allowing LGBTQ to enjoy their social interactions.

“Recent reports from Nigeria reveal the arrest of around 100 individuals at a supposedly same-sex wedding event.

“This incident highlights the restrictions on gatherings and social interactions for queer individuals in Nigeria, prompting concerns about the increasing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.

The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act bans marriage, not socialisation.

“Rather than addressing genuine security concerns, these actions seem to exacerbate the difficulties experienced by LGBTQ people.

“It’s important to recognise that the LGBTQ+ community is not a threat to the nation; their desire is simply to live without interference,” Macaulay said on Instagram.

He urged that the security operatives should redirect law enforcement resources towards addressing insurgent activities and preventing hate crimes.

“The prevailing perception of corruption and brutality within the Nigerian police raises concerns about their understanding and application of the law.

“It’s crucial to note that the existing anti-gay legislation primarily aims to prosecute same-sex relationships and intimate encounters, rather than social interactions.

“Allowing LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria to live openly and peacefully should be a priority.

“The anguish expressed by the LGBTQ+ community resonates deeply, as they navigate an environment marked by hostility and anxiety.

“In this challenging time, I express my solidarity with LGBTQ+ Nigerians, both within the country and beyond its borders”, Macauley concluded.