U.S President, Joe Biden, has threatened to sanction countries that have refused to enact laws that accommodate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) people.
This was contained in a presidential memorandum aimed at expanding protection of the rights LGBTQI people worldwide.
Sanctions against these countries may include financial punishment and visa restrictions.
Recall that despite pressure from former US President, Barrack Obama, ex-President, Nigeria signed the Same-Sex-Marriage (Prohibition) Act in January 2014 under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.
Part of Biden’s memo reads, “When foreign governments move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce legal protections in place, thereby contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.
“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.
“The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values.
