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"If passed, this measure would target people on the basis of their identity, not merely their behaviour, and put a wide range of people at risk of criminal sanctions for exercising basic rights and opposing discrimination based purely on a person's actual or presumed sexual orientation or gender-identity." Erwin van der Borght, director, Amnesty International African program

Of the 54-member-countries of the Commonwealth, fully 41 of the total have anti-gay laws. Which does make it rather problematical for the other 13 countries who are a proud part of the British Commonwealth, to laud their relationship as equals in civilized conduct and law-making.

The bill outlawing same-sex marriages in Nigeria, which also bans public displays of affection between homosexual couples, has elicited a caution from British Prime Minister David Cameron. who warned his country might withdraw aid from those countries who go out of their way not to recognize gay rights.

As Africa's most populous country, and a wealthy one at that, with its vast oil resources, Nigeria could represent as a beacon to other nations on the continent who view homosexuality as a sin, punishable by law. Nigeria's newly approved bill would guarantee a 14-year jail term for those entering into a civil union, or same-sex marriage.

And anyone who sought to assist such unions could look forward to ten years in prison, along with "any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations". So gay advocacy groups can consider themselves and their operations outside the law in Nigeria, the penalty for which is a long, thoughtful prison term.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister stated: "The government of Nigeria must protect all Nigerians, regardless of sexual orientation. Through the Commonwealth and other forums, Canada will continue to make this point in the most forceful of terms." To which, the president of the Nigerian Senate responded, "our values are our values."

"If there is any country that does not want to give us aid or assistance just because we want to hold on to our values, that country can keep her aid and assistance. No country has the right to interfere in the way we make our own laws, because we don't interfere in the way others make their own laws."

And, as far as Senator Baba-Ahmed Yusuf Datti is concerned (the country is half Christian, half Muslim, with Sharia law in place in much of the north) "such elements should be killed". And, as a footnote, it is interesting that Nigeria is currently a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Nigeria's Record on human rights:
"The government's human rights record remained poor, and government officials at all levels continued to commit serious abuses. The most significant human rights problems included the abridgement of citizens' right to change their government; extrajudicial killings by security forces; the use of lethal and excessive force by security forces; vigilante killings; impunity for abuses by security forces; torture, rape, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners, detainees, and criminal suspects; harsh and life‑threatening prison and detention center conditions; arbitrary arrest and prolonged pretrial detention; executive influence on the judiciary and judicial corruption; infringement on privacy rights; restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, and movement; domestic violence and discrimination against women; female genital mutilation (FGM); child abuse and child sexual exploitation; societal violence; ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination; trafficking in persons for the purpose of prostitution and forced labor; and child labor." (U.S. State Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2008, Nigeria)

Eye on the UN