COLUMNIST: “GAY SEX LEADS TO WEARING ADULT DIAPERS”

A misguided Nigerian columnist has claimed that many gay men are forced to wear “diaper-like products” because of their sexual activities.

Benedict Hart’s Protecting children from the scourge of homosexuality was published on Saturday by the Nigerian Vanguard daily.

In the article, he backs President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to sign an oppressive new anti-gay law in January because, Hart claims, gay people are not only exposed to “grave spiritual dangers” but also “fatal health hazards.”

He states, without citing any medical or scientific sources: “Medical experts have confirmed that anal intercourse which homosexuals practise tends to stretch and greatly weaken the anal sphincter muscles, leading to serious digestive problems, constipation, irregularity (of bowel movements), and ultimately to cancer of the rectum.”

He adds that, as a result, “Many homosexual men have to wear diaper-like products…”

Hart then goes on to warn that “some mischievous and unscrupulous persons have been recruiting innocent young ones into these foolish habits,” and advises parents on how to spot homosexuals.

He claims that, according to “experts,” some of the common habits of homosexuals are:

“They walk, talk and dress in a feminine or lady-like manner (though here in Nigeria the issue of dressing is not so apparent). They are often very gifted in the arts and so attract people to themselves.

“There is an unnecessary touching of hands, arms and shoulders. In the homosexual the elbow grip is a well-known sign. They like to hug, or hold the person by the waist, holding hands while walking, etc.

“They are often given to moods,” Hart says.

He warns parents to make sure their children avoid: “Men whom they had not known meeting them for the first time and telling them, ‘you look like the person I have known before’, which is merely a way of starting a conversation with the person they admire;

“Men who call them frequently without any serious matter to discuss other than just wanting them to come over to stay with them.

“Men who pose awkward questions to you, such as ‘how will you feel if homosexual advances are made to you’ or ‘would you tolerate a homosexual as a friend?’

“Their colleagues who offer them gifts and favours more than is normal, including invitations to fast food centres and offers of jobs and so on.”

Hart asserts that “preventing homosexual tendencies in children” is possible if parents inculcate in their children “the wholesome attitude of godliness as enjoined in the Bible,” as well as “instil discipline in their children” and ensure that fathers are present in the home.

He adds that, “when mother and father cannot preserve a love relationship and she makes the child number one, he is in trouble. He may begin to identify with her, take an interest in feminine things, and develop effeminate mannerisms. Such concerns start early in life and are very difficult to break.”

Articles, like this one, that perpetuate stereotypes, pseudo-science and flat out lies about LGBT people are unfortunately rife in Africa’s media landscape.

These ignorant, bigoted and absurd views are widely presented as fact and further motivate those who argue that homosexuality must be eradicated from the continent because it is immoral, un-African and a danger to children.

Ultimately, these writers, journalists and editors are fuelling a growing “anti-gay hysteria” that puts the lives of ordinary gay and lesbian Africans in danger.