LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6, 2011 – The Rev. Rizi Nasele Timane’ and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry (http://www.rizigospel.com), a non-denominational Christian ministry, are expressing distress at a newly proposed anti-gay bill in Nigeria and, they’re calling for the United States, and the Obama administration in particular, to speak out against it.
Homosexuality is already illegal in Nigeria, but the country’s senate recently voted to expand penalties by criminalizing gay marriage, same-sex public displays of affection as well as gay clubs and advocacy groups. Under the proposed law, if a same-sex couple marries, each partner would face up to 14 years in prison while their witnesses or any other individual helping with the marriage could be sentenced to 10-year imprisonment. Additionally, the registration of gay clubs or organization or the public display of same-sex amorous affections could result in 10 years behind bars.
“This draconian law, if signed into law, will lead to untold horrors for an already oppressed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Nigeria where homosexuals are already subjected to disownment, rape and other acts of violence, including death,” stated Timane’.
“Our ministry strongly condemns this bill,” continued Timane’. “It is unchristian, uncivilized and hypocritical. Quite frankly, I am always personally shocked when Africans, knowing our history of being punished for being different, being enslaved for simply being black, would then turn from being the oppressed to being the oppressor.”
A lesbian reverend from Nigeria, Timane’ is very familiar with the damage that the homophobia already existing in that country can cause. The constant rejection and persecution in her homeland led her to attempt suicide before soul searching and research led her to realize that her sexuality is a natural, God-given trait.
“I am especially troubled by Nigeria’s consideration of this legislation while that country is crumbling under the weight of government corruption, mass poverty and an infrastructure consisting of a lack of clean water and electricity and streets that are either poorly constructed or not constructed at all,” said Timane’. “Instead of Nigeria’s leaders trying to fix these vital problems, they have chosen to oppress an already downtrodden minority group.”
Timane’ and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry are reaching out to the LGBT community by making ministry sermons and inspiration available on the website, http://rizigospel.org. This includes a link to a trailer for their self-produced movie “What’s Wrong With This Picture?” The movie highlights the need for a more inclusive gospel and a greater understanding of Jesus’ teachings. With the film’s conclusion, the key question remaining is “what’s wrong with this picture?”
Rev. Timane’ wants the LGBT community to know that God loves them just the way they are. She can be reached by email, phone or Skype. Contact information is available at the website.
Contact:
Christina Thach
Gospel Truth Music Ministry
2600 West Olive Avenue
Suite 510
Burbank, CA 91350
661-645-6097
Email
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