January 12, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has assented to Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which bans members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) from participating in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group, as well as cross-dressing.
Signed into law on December 16, the section did not only ban military personnel from participating in activities of the LGBTQIA2S+ group, but also from tattoos, body piercing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness when on or off duty.
The section reads in part, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.
“He/she is not to belong to or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.
“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty.”
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