The Sexual Orientation Question in Nigeria: Cultural Relativism Versus Universal Human Rights Concerns

Abstract

We note that a political consensus on LGBT rights equating human rights is nowhere in sight in contemporary Nigeria. We rekindle the debate between universalism, as represented by the claim that human rights are the same everywhere, and cultural relativism, the conservative platform of the resistance to gay rights. We assert that the argument in favour of gay rights is rationally compelling but that the opinion of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians who oppose homosexuality cannot be easily dismissed. We examine arguments for and against the decriminalisation of homosexuality and conclude that supportive arguments validated by the harm principle present a convincing case for decriminalisation, notwithstanding the prevalence of anti-decriminalisation sentiments in Nigeria.