Chief Imam expresses joy over passage of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, expressed his delight over the recent approval of the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, according to his spokesperson.

Parliament passed the bill on February 28, 2024, after nearly three years of discussion. The legislation includes provisions for up to three years of imprisonment for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for advocacy or financial support by LGBTQ+ organizations.

Despite criticism from civil society groups and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who argue that the bill infringes upon fundamental human rights, Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu sees the passage of the bill as progress.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on March 2, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Chief Imam’s spokesperson, stated that the Muslim community welcomed the news because the bill upholds family values.

He emphasized that the Chief Imam considers any practice detrimental to the family structure as reprehensible and objectionable. Sheikh Aremeyaw praised lawmakers for their commitment to passing the bill despite objections and battles it faced.

Addressing concerns about human rights violations, the spokesperson argued that laws should benefit society, and any law endangering social purity must be rejected.