The European Union (EU) on Monday criticized the passage of anti same-sex marriage legislation by Nigeria’s House of Representatives, describing it as violation of fundamental human rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression and association.
A statement by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, said the EU neither encourage nor discourage people of same sex getting married.
“I am concerned that Nigerian law makers have voted to accept a bill that would criminalize same sex marriage.
“The EU seeks neither to promote nor discourage same sex marriages, but has been clear it opposes discrimination or any form of legislation that seeks to persecute someone on the basis of sexual orientation.
“The EU also opposes any restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly, or persecution of those who defend these freedoms,” Ashton stated.
