‘Gay’ Nigerian Given Twenty (20) Lashes

A Nigerian man has received 20 lashes after an Islamic court in the northern city of Bauchi convicted him of homosexual offences.

 Under Islamic law, homosexual acts can be sentenced to death by stoning.

 The court said it took into account that the Muslim man, arrested last month, committed the offence seven years ago, and had stopped the practise.

 In Nigeria, homosexual acts are illegal under both Islamic and secular law.

 Earlier this month, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a parliamentary bill which tightens laws against homosexuals, banning same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.

 The new legislation applies across Nigeria, affecting all citizens.

 Most states in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria have adopted Islamic law, known as Sharia, since the end of military rule in 1999.

 The man was among 11 Muslims and a Christian arrested last month for allegedly being homosexuals.

 He was also ordered to pay a fine of about $30 (£18).

 The trial of two other men was adjourned to 23 January.

 The fate of the nine other men arrested on the same charge is unclear.