Oby Ezekwesili clears air over Gay Rights Statement

The Presidential Candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Oby Ezekwesili has clarified the statement she made on gay rights during an event at Chatham House.

Gay rights activist Bisi Alimi had asked her what she would do to uphold gay rights if elected and whether gay people would be safe in a administration.

Ezekwesili had said she believes in equality and will uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian.

Ezekwesili released a statement on Twitter, clearing the air, because the statement “has been misconstrued and now totally taken out of context by some folks.”

Constitutional rights are not equivalent to gay rights, she said, adding that as a Christian, she doesn’t “subscribe to the Gay or Lesbian life choice”.

She said:

Bisi Alimi asked me a question on the discrimination he suffered as a Gay Citizen of Nigeria. I responded that as President of Nigeria I shall uphold the basic Human Rights of every Nigerian which our #ProjectRescueNigeriaManifesto does indeed express as Equality of Opportunity.

This in no way equates or translates to me supporting or approving Gay Rights. It appears that some people are genuinely confusing Constitutional Rights due to every one regardless of their sexual orientation as Gay Rights. That is not correct.

Constitutional or civil rights are Rights that are similarly due to Gay people as they are to every other citizen.

Constitutional or Human Rights are not the same thing as or EQUIVALENT to Gay Rights. For example, on Marriage the Constitution of our country has a definition that can not permit Gay Rights.

As a Christian who has a strong scriptural anchor, I don’t subscribe to the Gay or Lesbian life choice. This was always publicly declared and known by those who follow me including @bisialimi who asked me the question at @ChathamHouse.