“Release all the detainees,” Black LGBTQ lawmakers in the U.S. protest arrest of homos£xuals in Delta State

Black LGBTQ lawmakers from D.C. and Maryland joined activists in front of the Nigerian Embassy in Northwest Washington on Sept 12 to condemn last month’s arrest of more than 200 people at a same-sex wedding in Delta State

“What we saw with the recent arrest and detention is not just a violation of people’s rights with this unjust arrest but the parading of LGBTQIA+ folks before the media as if Nigerian law enforcement officials have actually accomplished some sort of a public safety measure,” said Maryland state Del. Gabriel Acevero who is the first openly gay man of Afro-Latino descent elected to the Maryland General Assembly.

Let’s be clear: LGBTQIA+ folks, queer Nigerians are not a threat to Nigerian identity or national security but Boko Haram is,” he added.

“We are here today to demand that Nigeria releases these detainees and drop the charges.”