Katsina State signs bill prohibiting homosexuality, lesbanism into law

KATSINA State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, on Thursday, signed into law, a bill which prescribed 14-year imprisonment without option of fine for those found guilty of homosexuality, lesbianism and sexual harassment.

The state House of Assembly recently amended sections 284 and 285 of Penal Code Law, Cap. 96, Laws of Katsina State, 1991, to provide for stiffer punishment for those found engaged in the illegal acts.

The law stated that: “whoever has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with 14 years’ imprisonment and liable to N10,000 fine.

“Any woman, who employs means of satisfying her sexual desire through bodily contact with another woman or otherwise, with or without her consent, shall be liable to 14 years’ imprisonment, together with N10,000 fine.

“Whoever commits gross indecency upon another person; sexually harasses or causes fear by use of force or otherwise or threatens another person with failure in examination, promotion, admission or employment, or colludes with others to commit the above offences, shall be punished with 14 years’ imprisonment and N10,000 fine.’’

Hajiya Fatima Jibo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, told newsmen in Katsina that the law also empowered the court to ask the offender to pay compensation to the victim.
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