The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has described the recent signing of the Anti-Gay Bill into law by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as a right step in the right direction for the protection of the dignity of the human person and commended the president for the courageous act, in spite of pressures from some international communities.

The conference made this remark in a letter of congratulations sent to the president on behalf of the Bishops and all Catholic faithful in the country by the President of the Conference, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos.

Archbishop Kaigama noted that the action of the Nigerian Government is in consonance with the moral and ethical values of the Nigerian and African cultures which uphold the sanctity of the institution of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Expressing satisfaction with the action of the President, Archbishop Kaigama stated: “Your decision and that of your administration in conjunction with the Federal Legislature, not  to bow to international pressure in the promotion of unethical and immoral practices of same sex union and other related vices is indeed a courageous one and a clear indication of the ability of our great country to stand shoulders high in the protection of our Nigerian and African most valued cultures of the institution of marriage and protection of the dignity of the human person.”

While assuring President Jonathan of the prayers and support of the bishops, the CBCN President added: “We commend you for this courageous and wise decision and pray that God will continue to bless, guide and protect you and your administration  against the conspiracy of the developed world to make our country and continent, the dumping ground for the promotion of all immoral practices, that have continued to debase the purpose of God for man in the area of creation and morality, in their own countries.