Report by Joycelyn Adoma Arthur – 4/03/2024

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

After extensive discussions spanning nearly three years, Parliament passed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill on February 28, 2024. The bill establishes penalties of up to three years in prison for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+, and up to five years for advocacy or financial support by LGBTQ+ organizations.

This aspect of the bill has sparked debate among certain civil society groups and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who argue that it infringes upon fundamental human rights.

However, Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu believes that the passage of the bill represents progress.

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

Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu said, “I can say without any equivocation that the Chief Imam is gleefully joyful about the passing of this bill because he has fully been briefed about what we are going through with respect to the evolvement of this LGBTQ+ phenomenon in our country and the attempt to really universalize it and make it something normal and something acceptable.”

He emphasized that as the leader of Muslims in the country, the Chief Imam could not support such a matter.

“For us, it is a moral issue, it is something that also goes to the very heart of the protection of the family which, in the Muslim understanding of things, is the property of God. It is the smallest unit of society into which every single human being is born,” Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu explained.

He further emphasized that any practice that undermines the survival of the family should be condemned, stating, “Any practice that seeks to undermine the survival of the family must truly be condemned. For us, it is reprehensible, abominable, and objectionable. So Chief Imam is so happy.”

Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu commended lawmakers for their unwavering commitment in the face of numerous objections and challenges encountered during the bill’s journey.

Regarding concerns that the bill violates basic human rights, the spokesperson argued that laws are enacted for the benefit of society, and any law endangering social purity should be rejected.