Homophobia in Nigeria, Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay

Click image to watch Rev. Macaulay's interview with Ana Hernandez in a new window.

Like so many African nations -- Uganda offers a high-profile example -- the scourge of homophobia also afflicts Nigeria. When Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay endeavored to establish an LGBT-inclusive church in Lagos, Nigeria, he encountered threats on his life. Ultimately the church closed, according to the reverend, "because the violence was extreme and our properties were attacked, vandalised, looted and a few of our security guards were wounded."

Undaunted, Rev. Macaulay took to the Internet with a "virtual mission" by using online forums and YouTube videos to post inclusive messages, "to encourage LGBT people in Nigeria and other developing nations." He now lives in London where he continues his online ministry and speaks out against homophobia as antithetical to Christ's teachings.

In his Apr. 17, 2010, video, “A Response: Love Not Hate, at about the 3:15 time mark, Rev. Macaulay relates how he has “continually received death threats” in his mailbox and “directly” to him in person. His response is clear, “I am not moved." And he declares:

I am not ashamed of being a gay man nor I’m not ashamed of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What I truly believe is that there are many people out there, all over the world especially in the continent of Africa, that truly and honestly need the gospel of inclusion. And unless we can continue to be good Christians and include everybody in the circle of love that Jesus Christ continued to promote through the Scriptures, I think that we will fail. I continue to be the face of the faceless and the voice of the voiceless. And I trust that God will be with you.

In an interview, Anene Ejikeme, assistant professor of African History, Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, discussed homophobic conditions in Nigeria and outlined how Rev. Macaulay "started a church: The Church of Rainbow, which was affiliated with the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC)." She spoke with church members who were attacked, recounted the violence, and the reverend's legal defense fundraising for Nigerians who have been imprisoned "for such things as impersonating a woman, for conducting a same-sex marriage or other such charges."

Timothy Obialo, who lives in suburban Atlanta, provided information about Rev. Macaulay. One source from the U.S. State Department, a 2008 Human Rights Report on Nigeria, reiterated that homosexuality is illegal in the country with severe penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Plus:

In the 12 northern states that have adopted Shari'a law, adults convicted of engaging in homosexual intercourse are subject to execution by stoning, although no such sentences were imposed during the year. Because of widespread taboos against homosexuality, very few persons were openly homosexual.

The document also mentioned the outing of Rev. Macaulay's church that put the small Nigerian congregation in danger:

On September 12, local newspapers Nation, Vanguard, PM News and the Sunday Sun published photos, names, and addresses of members of the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered-friendly church in Lagos. Following publication, persons started harassing the 12 members. One woman was attacked by 11 men, while others were threatened, stoned, and beaten. No investigation was initiated by year's end.

The U.S. State Department's 2009 Human Rights Report on Nigeria dated Mar. 11, 2010, noted, "No action was taken against persons who in 2008 stoned and beat members of the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, an LGBT-friendly church in Lagos."

"HOMOSEXUALS ARE CRIMINALS"
In March 2009, the BBC reported that Nigerian gay activists -- while protesting a proposed law that would criminalize same-gender people living together, "and anyone who 'aids and abets' them," and give police greater power to make arrests including "anyone working in a human rights organisation that dealt with gay rights"  -- were met with the kind of condemnation aimed at LGBT folks in the U.S.

"In the Bible it says homosexuals are criminals," Pius Akubo of the Daughters of Sarah church told lawmakers. . . Rev Patrick Alumake told the National Assembly the top leadership of the Catholic church in Nigeria supported the bill wholeheartedly.

"There are wild, weird, ways of life that are affecting our own culture very negatively, we have people who either by way of the media or travelling around the world have allowed new ideas which are harmful to our nation and our belief," he said.

The bill's sponsor, House of Representatives member Mayor Eze, said the bill was necessary to protect the family. 

"If you are not careful and allow the family institution to break down, and the consequences will be on all of us," he said.

Sound familiar? Hate speech unfortunately also abounds in America. However, unlike in Nigeria and in similar places around the world, U.S. citizens no longer fear criminal prosecution for being LGBT. The common ground we all share is living in a homophobic society that oppresses, discriminates, marginalizes, dehumanizes, and denies us equality. And in government that fails to stop it.

MACAULAY'S UPCOMING INTERVIEW -- AN APPEAL FOR HELP
On Tuesday, Apr. 27, Rev. Macaulay will appear on Alternative Perspectives by Betty Couvertier (WRFG.org, 89.3 FM) to discuss his situation and the blight of homophobia in Nigeria. Air time is 7–8 p.m. Eastern.

Additionally, the committee for Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) invited Rev. Macaulay to come speak during the May 17 event. Unfortunately, travel expenses present an obstacle in bringing his story to Atlanta.

If you or someone you know could possibly donate roundtrip airfare and accommodations for Rev. Macaulay from London to Atlanta, please contact Betty Couvertier at betlear @ yahoo dot com as soon as possible.