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Nigerian Mob Attacks Gay Activist

Another case of anti-gay mob violence in Nigeria. One of the leaders of the nation's only gay activist organization says he was almost killed by a bloodthirtsy crowd outside a funeral ceremony.

The incident happened Thursday in Port Harcourt at the funeral ceremony for the sister of Davis Mac-Iyalla, the head of Changing Attitude Nigeria, a religious-based gay outreach group. Reportedly, the funeral was attended by six of its members and one man, who prefers not to be named, says he was approached by  "a muscular man" who "asked me for a word outside the compound."

"The next thing I saw was a mob group who were there to attack me. They started slapping and punching me, kicked me on the ground and spat on me.

"While beating me they were shouting: 'You notorious homosexual, you think can run away from us for your notorious group to cause more abomination in our land?'"

In August, a lynch mob of several dozen men attacked a prison where a dozen suspected gay men were being detained.

CAN leaders and international human rights advocates have long accused Archbishop Peter Akinola of directing or condoning violence against gays.  The rabidly anti-gay archbishop has been at the forefront of opposing gay clergy across the Anglican Communion and its the American branch, the Episcopal Church.

Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria. (Previously discussed here and here.) Those convicted face jail terms in the mainly Christian south and execution in the mainly Muslim north. Meanwhile, proposed legislation would be the most homophobic laws in any country, effectively stripping gays and lesbians of all civil rights and freedom of speech or association.

Gay Nigerian Christian Leader Attacked [UK Gay News]

More NIGERIA

Some Background ...
Nigerian Lynch Mob Storms Jail [R20]
Nigeria Latest 18 Alleged Gays Face Death Penalty [R20]
Nigerian Woman Denies "Lesbian Wedding" [R20]
Nigerian Lesbian In Hiding After Reported Wedding [R20]
Nigeria's Homophobia Threatens Bid for Games [R20]
Nigeria One Step Closer to Outlawing Gays [R20]
Gay Nigerians Speak Out [R20]
Nigeria Prepares to Outlaw Gays [R20]
Nigeria to Ban Gays Meeting [R20]
Who is Archbishop Peter Akinola? [R20]
Nigeria's Islamic Sharia Law [R20]
UK Deports Gay Nigerian [R20]
Harsh New Nigerian Laws [R20]

Kenyan Blog Opposes "Repulsive, Destructive and Depraved" Gays

Disturbing news from Kenya, the picturesque and historic nation in East Africa. A backlash has been reported against the growing movement to decriminalize homosexuality and increase tolerance for gay men.

One of the loudest voices has been a rabidly,anti-gay blog: Kenyans Against Homosexuals. Several prominent anti-gay activists in the African nation have cited this blog which the author boasts "as the first Kenyan blog that is actively hostile towards homos." The site is headlined as "dedicated to mobilising Kenyans against the repulsive, destructive and depraved homosexual lifestyles." The blog postings are a mixture of fiction and hysteria, such as this recent gem:

"I've actualy [sic] been wading deeper and deeper into the sordid world of faggots in Nairobi—researching and investigating how far they’ve gone in trying to obtain government and legal recognition. I’m glad to announce that I’ll soon be posting a major exposé on their activities. It will stun many ambivalent Kenyans who seem to believe that these disgusting perverts will never get recognition in our country."

Meanwhile, more religious-based opposition to gays: On Thursday, the Kenyan Anglican Church consecrated two American bishops in a move that is likely to increase tensions over the church's stance on gays. Bill Murdoch of Massachusetts and Bill Atwood of Texas will serve in the United States but will answer to the Kenyan Church. Their congregations left the Episcopal Church after it consecrated an openly gay bishop.

US Anglicans join Kenyan Church [BBC]

Some Background ...
Kenya: "Things are Changing in Favor of Gays" [R20]
Homosexuality is Un-African? [R20]
News: Kenya, Qantas [R20]
Kenyan Update [R20]
Who is Archbishop Peter Akinola? [R20]
Harsh New Nigerian Laws [R20]
Nigeria's Anglican Archbishop [R20]

News: Iowa Marriage, Mehcad Brooks, Hillary, Octavia Butler

· A Des Moines judge strikes down the Iowa law that prevents same-sex couples from marrying. Judge Robert Hanson ruled the prohibition is unconstitutional and ordered the Polk County recorder's office to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. The county is expected to appeal the ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court.

· Rod 2.0 fave Mehcad Brooks covers the new issue of Krave and says he refuses to feed into the "stereotypical 'buffoonery' often showcased in Hollywood’s portrayal of the African-American man. 'As a black man, I feel that I have a certain responsibility to choose my roles carefully. I purposely turn down roles that perpetuate certain stereotypes.' "

· Sen. Hillary Clinton makes her seventh appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman tonight and her first as a candidate for president. On Tuesday, September 4, the senator will guest on the season premiere of Ellen.

· Maine’s highest court rules that a lesbian couple can jointly adopt two siblings currently in foster care. The unanimous decision opens the door for other co-parent adoptions in Maine by same-sex couples.

· As fellow Anglicans demand that the church bar gay bishops, the Episcopal diocese of Chicago includes an openly lesbian priest among five nominees for bishop.

· Mad Professah reviews the new paperback edition of Fledgling, the final work by the late Octavia Butler: "A brilliant re-imagination of the vampire myth by one of the most creative writers in the genre of  'speculative fiction.' The novel grapples with miscegenation, gender-stratified societies, the nature of addiction and racism. As always, in creative and enthralling ways Butler excites and intrigues the reader."

· Popnography on the Sunday Mirror report that Mel B aka Scary Spice had an affair "with not one but two women" simultaneously: "The paper doesn't seem to bother to even try for a denial on the record, but they do offer up porn plot level details about their supposed steamy affair."

International Pressure Mounts on Nigeria, Fear of Gay "Exodus"

An update on  Nigeria's ambitious proposal to legislate gays out of existence:

The European Union is calling on Nigeria to abandon the proposed legislation that would strip gays and lesbians of all civil rights.

The bill would be the world's most restrictive legislation against gays—making it a crime for more than two gay people to be in the same location at the same time, illegal to sell or rent property to same-sex couples, watch a gay film or visit an LGBT web site such as Rod 2.0, or for even two gay men to have dinner or meet in public.

European parliamentarians proposed several draft resolutions condemning the legislation.  Ultimately, the Parliament opted for the weakest, saying "in its current form, since it contains infringements of the basic human rights of freedom of expression and opinion, in particular when it envisages a five-year prison sentence for anyone involved publicly or privately in positive representation of or advocacy for same sex relationships."

The draconian legislation has the support of Nigeria's Anglican Church and its very powerful leader, Archbishop Peter Akinola. The rabidly anti-gay archbishop has been at the forefront of opposing gay clergy across the Anglican Communion. A number of conservative churches in its American branch, the Episcopal Church, have aligned themselves with Akinola and refuse to comment on his support of the massive curtailment of civil rights.

Meanwhile, human rights activists in Nigeria have condemned the bill, warning that its passing would cause significant problems for other countries. "Already we are seeing an increase in homophobic behavior and attacks, because people feel they can get away with it," says Davis Mac-Iyalla, an activist lobbying for change within the Nigerian Anglican Church. "The climate is already becoming intolerable."   Mac-Iyalla anticipates "a flood of refugees" as Nigerians would flee to other countries to escape persecution.

EU Calls on Nigeria to Abandon Legislation [GCN]

Nigerian Gay Group Claims New Law Could Create Exodus [Pink News]

Some Background ...

Gay Nigerians Speak Out [R20]

Nigeria Prepares to Outlaw Gays [R20]

Nigeria to Ban Gays Meeting [R20]

Nigeria Moves One Step Closer to Outlawing Gays [R20]

Who is Archbishop Peter Akinola? [R20]

Harsh New Nigerian Laws [R20]

Nigeria's Anglican Archbishop [R20]

Nigerian Author Jude Dibia [R20]

UK Deports Gay Nigerian [R20]

Director Plans Film Adaptation of Gay-Themed Nigerian Novel [R20]
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Nigeria Prepares to Outlaw Gays

Nigeria moves closer to legislating gays out of existence as a draconian new measure is set for a vote in the parliament.

The new bill is the most comprehensive homophobic legislation ever proposed in any country. As reported previously, the measure would effectively strip gays and lesbians of all civil rights and "its extremism is rivaled only by the death penalty that exists for homosexuality in several Islamic fundamentalist states."

In addition to banning contact with or between any LGBT person, social or civil rights groups, it would also be illegal to sell or rent property to same-sex couples, watch a gay-themed film or video, or even visit an LGBT web site such as Rod 2.0. Even more ominous: The legislation would make it a criminal offense to impart any information on HIV/AIDS to gays.

The hateful legislation is supported by Archbishop Peter Akinola—head of the Anglican Church in Africa—who is the leading anti-gay voice on the continent. Conservative Episcopal churches in the US have have aligned themselves with Akinola. Unfortunately.

Some Background:

• Nigeria to Ban Gays Meeting (Rod 2.0)
• Who is Archbishop Peter Akinola? (Rod 2.0)
• Harsh New Nigerian Laws (Rod 2.0)
• Nigeria's Anglican Archbishop  (Rod 2.0)
• Nigeria's Islamic Sharia Law (Rod 2.0)
• Nigerian Author Jude Dibia (Rod 2.0)
• UK Deports Gay Nigerian (Rod 2.0)
• Director Plans Film Adaptation of Gay-Themed Nigerian Novel (Rod 2.0)

Who is Archbishop Peter Akinola?

The BBC profiles Archbishop Peter Akinola, the head of the Anglican Church in Nigeria and chair of the Anglican Church in Africa.

As head of the fastest growing part of the Anglican communion—37 million members on the continent—he has become an increasingly important figure "largely due to his conservative stance on gay marriage" and "outspoken views on homosexuality ... a position that appeals to his African congregation."

Called a bigot by some in the Anglican Church, his attitudes nonetheless represent a deep-rooted conservative tradition in African Christianity that is flourishing and growing. Contrast that with declining congregations in the West and you begin to see why he is such an important figure.

Akinola has also endorsed the Nigerian government's repressive anti-gay measures.

The Episcopal Church USA is the American branch of the Anglican Communion, the confederation of national churches that traces its roots to the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Last week, nine Episcopal parishes in Virginia voted to leave the Church to protest its increasingly tolerant views of gays. Two are among the oldest and largest Episcopalian congregations in the United States and both voted to bring themselves under Akinola's authority.

Profile: Archbishop Peter Akinola (BBC)

Episcopalians Against Equality (SLC Trib)

"Gay Panic" Alleged in Killing of Popular Jamaican Priest

Unfortunately, many people are buying the defense.

Background: In November, police found the nude body of Rev. Richard Johnson in the rectory of St. Jude's Anglican Church in Kingston. The priest was viciously stabbed and witnesses reported seeing a man flee the scene who was "known to pay frequent visits" his dwelling, detectives said. Johnson was one of the leading Anglican priests on the island.

Last week, 22 year-old Prince Vale turned himself in and admitted to the murder, claiming that acted in self-defense: "The Rector invited [Vale] into his bedroom and told him that he wanted him to try on a pair of pants he had for him. According to the attorney, Mr. Vale was trying on the pants when he was attacked by the rector in a sexual manner. This led to a fight during which the rector was stabbed."

Stabbed 25 times, but that small detail will come out later in the trial. Already, the gay angle is playing to the island's homophobic culture—Rev. Johnson was lionized after the killing, but now some are dismissing his death.

Some good news: While no one has yet confirmed that Johnson was gay, his death is also forcing others to re-examine their ideas on sexuality. On World AIDS Day, the editorial pages of historically anti-gay Jamaica Gleaner condemned the government for its disastrous HIV/AIDS policy and noted that "men who have sex with men are particularly at risk of HIV infection. The strong social stigma against homosexuals drives many of them into relations with women in order to disguise their sexual orientation."

Granted, a small step, but headed in the right direction.

A Failure of Leadership (Jamaica Gleaner)

Accused Says Rector Attacked Him (Radio Jamaica)

Anglican Priest Brutally Murdered (Jamaica Star)

More Gays Murdered in Jamaica:

Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? (Rod 2.0)

Justice, Jamaican Style (Rod 2.0)

Bloodlust at UWI (Rod 2.0

"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" (Rod 2.0)

"Jamaica, Island of Hate" (Rod 2.0)

Buju Banton Pro/Con (Rod 2.0)

Beenie Man and Buju Banton Cancelled (Rod 2.0) 

Homophobia "Greatest Hurdle" in Jamaica (Rod 2.0)

The Most Homophobic Place on Earth? (Rod 2.0)

WWJD? Support Gay Rights

Via Reuters and Johannesburg. Promising news of a black African Anglican priest spreading the gospel of equal rights for gays and lesbians in the new South Africa.

When Father Jo Mdhlela first began preaching his message, he was met with some opposition from his conservative, mostly black congregation. Mdhlela hopes to persuade his flock that being Christian does not mean rejecting gays—contrasting with most clergy on the continent who say it is sinful and "un-African." Mdhlela is also a well-known writer and peace activist.

"Jesus is challenging churches," Mdhlela preaches in English, Zulu and Sotho. "Jesus is saying if you said apartheid was unjust then you must say laws discriminating against homosexual people are unjust."

South Africa's Anglican Church is historically liberal versus its more conservative and evangelical counterparts on the continent. Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane has distanced himself from conservative African bishops who say being gay is wrong.

The apartheid nation was one of the world's most repressed societies. It's certainly encouraging to see so many progressive voices on lgbt rights in the new South Africa.

Jesus Supports Gay Rights, Say S.Afr Anglicans (Reuters)

More South Africa and Gays:

Tutu "Ashamed" of Gay Priest Ban (Rod 2.0)

Johannesburg Pride (Rod 2.0)

Zuma Endorses Same-Sex Bill (Rod 2.0)

South African Marriage Update (Rod 2.0)

Zuma: Anti-Gay Remarks "Misunderstood"  (Rod 2.0)

Zuma's Homophobic Weekend (Rod 2.0)

S. Africans Demand Arrest of Minister (Rod 2.0)

AIDS Experts Condemn Health Minister (Rod 2.0)

S. African Health Minister Sidelined (Rod 2.0)

Religion News: Homophobia In Black Churches, CT Episcopalians OK Same-Sex Blessings

A new book argues pervasive homophobia in historically black churches has reached "crisis" proportions for black lgbt Christians. Comparing their plight to "a game of Russian roulette" where they are no longer welcomed by the church, black lesbian and gay Christians find themselves in "no-win situations," says Rev. Horace L. Griffin, author of Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbian and Gays in Black Churches.

Griffin is black, gay and an Episcopal priest who grew up in the Missionary Baptist Church. He says black church leaders use the Bible to oppress gays and lesbians similar to the approach once used by white church leaders to oppress blacks during slavery and Jim Crow.

· Episcopal parishes in Connecticut may now bless same-sex couples, according to Bishop Andrew Smith. The decision does not allow Episcopal clergy to officiate at civil unions. However, it allows parishes to acknowledge lgbt couples who had a civil union granted by the state. The bishop told the New York Times he acted because Connecticut began recognizing civil unions last year and the national Episcopal Church has done nothing in response.

· The new, pro-gay policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has meant regional bodies are protesting by sending less money than expected to national headquarters. The Presbyterian financial office said the national church will receive about $400,000 less than anticipated. In June, a Presbyterian national assembly voted to give local congregations some leeway to install gay clergy and lay officers.

"Gay-Bashing" at Bermuda Mega-Church Service?

On the normally very tranquil island of Bermuda: Major controversy is developing over an upcoming, inter-denominational church service that many fear will be used as an opportunity for gay-bashing. On Sunday, the well-publicized "United by Faith"  service is scheduled to happen at the National Sports Stadium.

The concept was developed by Andre Curtis—currently chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Board and the island's controversial faith-based tourism initiative. The project is also championed by the Rev. Bernice King ... the well-known anti-gay minister whose father was the Rev. Martin Luther King.

Earlier this week, Anglican Bishop Ewen Ratteray said his priests will not attend Sunday's United by Faith service at the National Sports Stadium because "part of the agenda for this service seems to be to target particular members of our society, homosexuals, in a way that is deemed inappropriate."

The service was originally promoted as a "pray-in" against the proposed Human Rights Act that would protect people against discrimination based upon sexual orientation. Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Kurtz tells the Royal Gazette he is against the HRA, but his pastors will not attend the service and would encourage their congregations to do the same. Andre Curtis now claims "there will be no gay bashing at the service."

United by Faith Promises No Gay Bashing (Royal Gazette)

Anglicans Boycott of ‘United by Faith’ Day (Royal Gazette)

Bernice King Joins in Tourism Initiative (Bermuda Sun)

More on Rev. Bernice King:

"MLK Would Favor" Gay Rights (Rod 2.0)

Live Blog: Coretta Scott King Funeral (Rod 2.0)