Tag: homophobia

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Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) to Mark International Day Against  Homophobia (IDAHOBIT 2025)

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) stands in solidarity with LGBTQI+ individuals across the region and globally. This year’s powerful theme: “The Power of Communities,” reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive and affirming spaces within faith-based communities and beyond.

In West Africa, where LGBTQI+ individuals often face profound discrimination, stigma, and violence, the strength of supportive communities is not just a comfort, but a lifeline. IDNOWA recognizes the vital role that faith communities can play in either perpetuating or dismantling harmful narratives. We believe that true faith is rooted in love, compassion, and justice, values that must extend to all members of our human family, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

However, we cannot ignore the stark realities faced by LGBTIQ+ communities in our member countries. The likes of Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo and others, such as:

  • Criminalization and Legal Persecution: In several West African nations, same-sex relationships are criminalized, leading to arrests, imprisonment, and severe penalties. This creates a climate of fear and forces LGBTIQ+ individuals to live in hiding, denying them basic human rights.
  •  Violence and Discrimination: LGBTIQ+ individuals are frequently subjected to physical and verbal violence, harassment, and discrimination in various settings, including families, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
  • Lack of Access to Essential Services: LGBTIQ+ people face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services due to
  •  Religious Intolerance: Misinterpretations and weaponization of religious texts fuel prejudice and hatred towards LGBTIQ+ individuals. This results in social ostracization, family rejection, and the denial of spiritual support.
  •  Increased Anti-trans Sentiment: There is a growing wave of hateful rhetoric and legislation targeting transgender people specifically.
  •  State-sanctioned Voilence: In some member countries, law enforcement participates in the harassment and assault of LGBTIQ+ individuals. This can include extortion, unlawful arrests, and physical violence.

“The Power of Communities” underscores the transformative potential of collective action. IDNOWA is dedicated to building bridges of understanding and acceptance within religious institutions, challenging discriminatory ideologies, and promoting dialogues that affirms the dignity and worth of every person.

IDNOWA calls on religious leaders, policymakers, and community members to join us in embracing the power of communities to create a world where everyone can live with dignity and respect. We must challenge harmful narratives, promote inclusive policies, and build bridges of understanding across lines of difference.

For this IDAHOBIT 2025, let us renew our commitment to building communities where love triumphs over hate, and where every person is celebrated for who they are.

Together, we are unstoppable.

Together, we are the power of communities.

Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla 
Executive Director 
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa. 

#IDAHOBIT2025

#ThePowerOfCommunities

Blog, Press

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality (leadership.ng)
A Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdullahi Gadon Kaya has apologised to the Bauchi State government over a misinformation he propagated during one of his recent preaching sessions where he claimed that homosexuals across the country converged in an undisclosed hotel in the state to commit sodomy.

He also alleged that the homosexuals rented the hotel at a whooping sum of N100,000,000 for a 10-day event.

However, renouncing the claim, Gadon Kaya said he was wrongly informed by someone in Bauchi State who called him on phone to inform him about the supposed gathering of homosexuals.

LEADERSHIP reports that the allegation generated uproar in the state, leading to the cleric’s invitation by the Bauchi State Shariah Commission to give evidence of the claim.

Following the invitation by the commission, Gadon Kaya came out in a viral Facebook video monitored by our correspondent on Wednesday, debunking his previous allegations.

According to him, security agents had conducted thorough investigations on the matter but found it to be false.

He begged the Bauchi State government and security agencies for the misinformation, stressing that he was misled by someone whose identity he declined to reveal.

“I apologise to the government of Bauchi State and the security agents; and I want to state that I did not mean to hurt anyone with that misinformation. In the course of preaching, one may say something correctly or incorrectly at times”, he said.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director,  Interfaith Diversity Network said, “I am glad he has apologies after being found out for speaking dangerous rumours against the LGBT+ community and their allies but I believe he should have gone further to preach tolerance and inclusion. Many LGBT+ Nigerians have been violently attacked and some forced to flee the country as a direct result of fake rumours like this from religious and traditional leaders.  fearing for their safety and security. 

IDNOWA will continue to work with stakeholders and state actors advocating for the human rights and freedom of LGBT+ people in Nigeria, and West African in general.