Proceedings of The International Conference on LGBT studies
Year: 2022
DOI:
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The Impact of Religion and Culture on LGBTQ in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis
Odere Udo Martins
ABSTRACT:
In Africa, most African leaders have denounced lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) practices as depraved, unorthodox and not permissible to African culture and tradition. The influence of religion and culture is the pivot decision to enact Same Sex Marriage (prohibition) Act, 2013. This study centered on the critical analysis of the impact of religion and culture on LGBTQ in Nigeria. The study focused on six major cities in Nigeria: Abuja, Kano, Port- Harcourt, Enugu, Ibadan and Lagos. Qualitative and quantitative method of data gathering were employed, using interview, questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD) to find out multifarious views on religion, culture and LGBTQ. Research questions include: Is there any significant relationship between religion, culture and LGBTQ practices? The study found that LGBTQ is not permissible in Nigeria since it has the capacity to weaken marriage institutions, the family and societal values. It was concluded that due to the influence of religion and culture, LGBTQ practices will suffer widespread non- recognition in Nigeria, in the coming years. Recommendations include making the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibitions) Act, 2013 to become part of the curriculum of primary and secondary schools and tertiary Institutions, in order to create awareness among students and enlighten them on the issues of LGBTQ. Also, religious institutions are to constantly preach against LGBTQ among their followers while traditional rulers are enjoined to do the same to safeguard culture of various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Further implications and areas of further research are also suggested.
keywords: Culture, Religion, Institutions, Marriage and Sex