BY IRIBHOGBE BUKUNOLA MONSURAT
In a country where religion shapes politics, culture, and public morality, supporting same-sex relationships in Nigeria often comes with enormous personal and social risks. Yet, the growing conversation around human rights, tolerance, and individual freedom continues to challenge long-standing attitudes within society.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most conservative societies on issues of sexuality. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalised same-sex unions and public displays associated with LGBTQ identity, while religious institutions — both Christian and Muslim — frequently condemn homosexuality from the pulpit and in public discourse. In many communities, even expressing sympathy toward LGBTQ persons can attract hostility, threats, or social exclusion.
Still, the debate refuses to disappear.
For many Nigerians, religion is not merely a private belief but a social identity. Sermons, Friday khutbahs, and traditional teachings strongly influence public opinion. This has created an environment where same-sex relationships are often portrayed not simply as immoral, but as a threat to society itself.
The danger lies in how easily moral disagreement transforms into extremism. Once a group of people is labelled “evil” or “against God,” violence and intimidation can begin to appear justified in the eyes of some fanatics. Public shaming, blackmail, mob attacks, and online harassment have become recurring features of the Nigerian social landscape.
In such an atmosphere, supporting the rights of LGBTQ persons is often interpreted as an attack on religion itself.
But there is a difference between personal belief and persecution.
A democratic society should allow citizens to hold religious convictions while also protecting the rights and dignity of minorities. Supporting same-sex relationships does not require everyone to abandon their faith or moral teachings. It simply means recognising that no Nigerian deserves violence, discrimination, or dehumanisation because of their identity.
The true test of democracy is not how a nation treats the majority, but how it treats unpopular minorities.
Many Nigerians who advocate tolerance are not necessarily campaigning for religious institutions to change doctrine. Rather, they are calling for compassion, coexistence, and respect for human dignity. A society becomes dangerous when citizens are denied safety simply because they are different.
Religious extremism becomes dangerous when faith is used as a political weapon instead of a spiritual guide. Across history, societies have justified discrimination in the name of religion — against women, ethnic minorities, and people of different beliefs. Nigeria must be careful not to repeat such patterns under the guise of defending morality.
No religion should be used to encourage hatred or violence.
The loudest voices in the debate are often the most radical, while moderate Nigerians who believe in peaceful coexistence remain silent out of fear. This silence allows extremists to dominate public discourse and portray intolerance as patriotism.
Nigeria’s future depends on its ability to manage disagreement without violence. Citizens should be able to debate morality, culture, and religion without threats or intimidation. Supporting same-sex relationships — or simply defending the humanity of LGBTQ individuals — should not place someone in danger.
Freedom of religion and freedom of expression must coexist. One cannot survive by destroying the other.
A mature society does not fear dialogue. It does not imprison compassion. And it does not permit extremism to dictate who deserves dignity.
Nigeria is deeply religious, and that reality will not change anytime soon. But religion should inspire justice, mercy, and humanity — not fear and persecution. The challenge before the nation is whether it can uphold its moral convictions without descending into intolerance and extremism.
Giving same-sex relationships a “thumbs up” in Nigeria may remain controversial, but defending the right of every citizen to live without hatred or violence should never be controversial in any civilised society.