The government of Canada on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the enactment of the law against homosexuality in Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, the Canadian government noted that “it is deeply concerned that Nigeria has adopted a law that further criminalizes homosexuality. This law can be used to impose prison sentences of up to 14 years”.

The statement further urged “Nigeria to repeal this law and to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Nigerians regardless of their sexual orientation”.

Canada, the statement added “ has clearly spoken out against human rights violations committed against people on the basis of their sexuality, and we will continue to do so.”

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, signed a bill that criminalizes same-sex relationships, the Presidency said yesterday (Monday).

The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the National Assembly in May 2013.

Two similar bills have been proposed since 2006 but failed to make it through Parliament.