Tinubu approves ban on homosexuality and cross-dressing within the Nigerian military

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the ban on homosexuality and cross-dressing within the Nigerian military as part of a wide-ranging and comprehensive review of conduct by men and women of the armed forces.

Details of the new laws contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, have been signed into law by the president. They include a ban on homosexuality,  lesbianism, bestiality and cross-dressing, which are all described as behaviours contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.

In addition, Nigerian military personnel have also been warned against body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour and drunkenness on or off duty. Officers are also forbidden from getting involved in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.

“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality. He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or trans, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual or agender, two-spirit group and cross-dressing, amongst others.

“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty,” the order read.

However, the ToweverHHhe document did not state what punishments or disciplinary measures will be meted out to  any officer who violated these rules. Nigeria has very Draconian anti-gay laws as anyone found guilty of committing a homosexual act can face up to 14 years in prison under the country's Same Sex Marriage Act of 2014.