Nigerian Bishops Condemn International Agreement over LGBTQ+ Rights; And More News

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

Nigeria’s Catholic bishops have voiced their opposition to an international economic agreement that the bishops claim would undermine the country’s values, particularly because of the document’s approach to sexuality and gender issues. Today’s post includes this news and other developments from Africa.

Nigerian Bishops Decry International Agreement over LGBTQ+ Concerns

Known as the “Samoa Agreement,” the pact between the European Union and 79 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region is aimed promoting social and economic development, securing human rights, and combating climate change. Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships and chief negotiator of the agreement for the European Union, described it as “a modernized framework to revitalize our relations. . .[and] to provide a platform for dialogue and coordination to face the challenges of our times together.”

However, Nigeria’s bishops are expressing concern the Samoa Agreement is “carefully blended with post-modern secularistic ideologies that significantly undermine the moral, cultural, and religious beliefs” of Nigeria. Crux reported:

“In a position paper titled ‘Threats to the Sovereignty and Values of Nigeria in the Samoa Agreement,’ issued July 12, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) claimed that while the agreement offers appealing benefits, its language conceals hidden ideologies that not only contradict Nigeria’s values but also pose a threat to the nation’s sovereignty. . .

“They complained that the agreement ‘gives international law status to sexual orientation and gender identity, comprehensive sexuality education, and abortion through its prolific reference to gender approaches and the phrase ‘sexual and reproductive health and rights’.”

Claiming gender is not “an innocent term” and challenging the idea that “there are over 110 genders,” the bishops criticized proposed commitments to promote gender equity, offer comprehensive sexual education to youth, and otherwise promote LGBTQ+ rights. Crux continued:

“The bishops are urging the Nigerian government to either seek amendments to the Samoa Agreement, or to withdraw from it altogether. They have proposed a paragraph that they say should be incorporated into the agreement as an amendment.

“‘Nothing in this binding agreement can be interpreted to include any obligations regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, comprehensive sexuality education, abortion, contraception, legalization of prostitution, same-sex marriage, or sexual “rights” for children,’ the proposed amendment reads.”

Cameroonian Priest Attacks President’s Daughter for Coming Out

A prominent priest and spokesperson for the Episcopal Conference of Cameroon has attacked Brenda Biya, daughter of President Paul Biya, after she posted on Instagram a photo which shows her kissing another woman.

Fr. Humphrey Tatah Mbuy said homosexuality “cannot be given the green card” because it “is a deviation.” The priest added, “Whatever the rest of the world says, for us Africans, homosexuality is a cultural abomination. And we do not mince our words in its condemnation in our continent.” Homosexuality remains criminalized in the country.

While the Instagram post with the kiss was deleted, Brenda Biya affirmed her decision to come out. Crux reported:

“‘I have received a lot of support from Cameroonian and Western organizations. People have wished me courage. But I have also received negative, homophobic reactions,’ Brenda Biya said.

“She said she published the photo because she felt there were far too many people like herself who are struggling with their sexuality.

“‘I could lose a lot: break my family ties, no longer be allowed to go to my country, be put in prison,’ she said.”

Against claims Biya betrayed not only her family, which is Catholic, but the faith itself, LGBTQ+ advocate Kiki Bandy, who is from Cameroon, stated:

“‘I don’t see Brenda Biya posting about a girl she is absolutely crazy about as a betrayal to herself or her religious family. . .Brenda Biya just like any other LGBT+ person around the world is only following the natural instincts and this is how they were created by God.'”

Kenyan Bishop Seeks Pause on New LGBTQ+ Legislation

In Kenya earlier this year, Bishop Peter Kihara Kariuki of Marsabit encouraged dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues before any new national laws or policies are made. Some Kenyan faith leaders have called for more severe restrictions in the country, where homosexuality remains criminalized already. According to UCA News:

“[Kariuki] urged public participation and consultations to gauge the people’s feelings and where they stand on the issue before any further actions are taken or any new laws made.

“‘This is the time for Kenya to have discussions on LGBTQ issues before any law is signed or any classroom teaching is embraced and put before the children,’ Bishop Kariuki told OSV News. ‘There should be an amicable understanding of what is wanted, what is acceptable and what is not.’

“‘Our culture of silence or putting things aside, because we do not speak about those issues … will make them go underground, only to eat what we are supposed to be protecting,’ added the bishop.”

—Robert Shine (he/him), New Ways Ministry, August 1, 2024