The Anglican Diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia has sacked two clergies from the dioceses for engaging in homosexuality.
In a letter signed by Rt Rev Johnson Onuoha, the bishop of the diocese, the diocese said that after due diligence and investigation, it was left with no other option than to the accused letters of order and licence of ordination and dismiss them from the ministry.
Homosexuality was criminalised in Nigeria and attracts a minimum of 14 years 14 years imprisonment.
Sex acts between men are illegal under the Criminal Code that applies to southern Nigeria and carry a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. Sex acts between women are not mentioned specifically in the code, although it is arguable that the gender-neutral term “person” in Section 214 of the code includes women. Chapter 21 of that code provides in pertinent part as follows:
Section 214.
Any person who –
(a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or
(c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature;
is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
Section 215.
Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences defined in the last preceding section is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. The offender cannot be arrested without a warrant.
Section 217.
Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years. The offender cannot be arrested without a warrant.
