The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has welcomed the passing of the legislation aimed at addressing LGBTQ+ issues.
After almost three years of discussions, Parliament ultimately approved the anti-LGBTQ+ bill on February 28.
The legislation includes provisions for a potential three-year prison sentence for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for advocacy or financial support from LGBTQ+ organizations.
This aspect of the bill, along with others, has sparked disagreement from certain civil society groups and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who assert that it infringes upon fundamental human rights.
Despite the criticisms, Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu believes the passage of the bill as a positive step forward.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Chief Imam, expressed the Muslim community’s joy over the news, citing that the bill would safeguard 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” he said in an interview.
He added that, “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 clarified that anything that undermines the family system will not get 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 explained.
He praised lawmakers for their unwavering commitment despite the numerous objections and challenges encountered by the bill.
When questioned about the apprehensions regarding human rights violations, the spokesperson emphasized that laws are implemented for the betterment of society and its people. Hence, any legislation posing a threat to societal integrity should not be perceived merely as an academic endeavor.
“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 noted.