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By Cathy Kristofferson, March 7, 2014

Today is the Global Day of Action in Support of Nigeria’s LGBT Community called by Solidarity Alliance Nigeria. Here in the U.S. demonstrations were held in front of the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. and the Consulate in New York City. The protests were in solidarity with the LGBT Community of Nigeria, to urge President Jonathan Goodluck and the Nigerian government to rescind the harmful so-called Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act.

President Goodluck Jonathan , clearly bad luck for Nigeria’s LGBT community, signed the bill into law on January 14th criminalizing gay relationships and imposing 14 years imprisonment for LGBT people in the country; criminalizes the witnessing or aiding of same sex relationships, as well as the direct or indirect public show of same sex “amorous relationship;” and a prison sentence of 10 years for anyone who initiates or supports the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations; or whose actions permit the sustenance, processions and meetings of gay people.

The list of cities holding events today include Amsterdam, Brussels, Cape Town and Johannesburg, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, London, New Delhi, Oslo, Stockholm, Vancouver, Washington DC and New York City.

In New York City a large crowd gathered to rally and hear speakers. At least eight demonstrators were arrested when they sat down in front of the Nigerian Consulate demanding change.

In Washington D.C. about 50 protesters from a coalition of organizations gathered at the Nigerian Embassy to hear speakers, rally and march for repeal of the bill.  Reluctantly, the Head of the Political Section at the Nigerian Embassy came out to hear the protesters’ concerns about the law:

London pics from Out & Proud Diamond Group:

GALZ in Zimbabwea:

Ulrika Westerlund pic from Stockholm:

We are Nigerians and we are here to stay!

Tweet your support for Nigeria’s LGBT community with hashtag #IStandwith9jaLGBT now!