Despite a setback, Bobrisky and others receive a temporary reprieve from the cross-dressing ban law.
Tuesday saw a momentary halt in the debate of a measure that seeks to outlaw cross-dressing in Nigeria.
The bill’s sponsor, Muda Lawal, was asked to withdraw the proposal by the deputy speaker, Idris Wase, who said that the sponsor’s justification was insufficient.
According to DAILY POST, a bill was introduced that would alter the same-sex marriage (prohibition) act of 2013 to include cross-dressing as an offense.
Some crossdressers have recently gained a lot of popularity in Nigeria. James Brown and Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, are two prominent cross-dressers in the nation.
Crossdressers now face a possible 6 month prison sentence under this proposed law.
Recall that if found guilty by a court, gay people and same-sex couples might each receive 14 years in prison.
A person who engages in cross-dressing is guilty of an offense and subject to a fine of 500,000 Naira or a 6-month prison sentence.
It is important to note that this is not a rejection of the measure; if the sponsor makes a strong case, it may still be discussed again.
