Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the bill in Nigeria criminalising same-sex marriage and relationships

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, June 3, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"I am concerned that Nigerian law makers have voted to accept a bill that would criminalise same sex marriage.

The EU seeks neither to promote nor discourage same sex marriages, but has been clear it opposes discrimination or any form of legislation that seeks to persecute someone on the basis of sexual orientation.

The EU also opposes any restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly, or persecution of those who defend these freedoms."