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The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has conveyed his joy regarding the recent approval of the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ bill. On February 28, after almost three years of consideration, Parliament ultimately passed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill imposes a prison sentence of up to three years on anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for advocacy or funding by LGBTQ+ groups.
While this aspect of the bill, among others, has sparked disagreement from certain civil society groups and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), contending that it infringes upon fundamental human rights. Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu remains steadfast in his belief that the approval of the bill is a positive stride.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on March 2, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for the Chief Imam, expressed their joy over the news. He stated that the Muslim community is elated by the passage of the bill, seeing it as a means to uphold family values.
“I can say without any equivocation that the Chief Imam was relatively 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 universalise it and make it something normal and something acceptable. And as somebody who is the leader of Muslims in this country, he could not actually give any support to such matter to be allowed.”
“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,” he said.
He emphasized that anything undermining the family system would not receive their support.
“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,” he added.
He commended legislators for their steadfastness despite the countless objections and battles the bill faced.
In response to concerns about the bill violating basic human rights, the spokesperson asserted that laws are crafted to benefit the people and human society. Hence, any law perceived as a threat to the integrity of society should not be regarded merely as an academic exercise but as a measure for societal well-being.
“It is not an academic issue, it is not a human rights issue but it is about survival. Any law that is harmful to society, society must think together within our wisdom and that is what identifies us and distinguishes us from other nations,” he concluded.
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