53 held in Nigeria for celebrating gay wedding

International Desk: Nigerian police have arrested 53 young men who celebrated a same-sex wedding, charging them with "belonging to a gang of unlawful society".

Prosecuting Officer Mannir Nasir told a court on Wednesday the young men were arrested Saturday in the northern city of Zaria while attending a party organised for two men who got married last week.

While Nigerian law bans gay marriage, some couples conduct informal ceremonies.

The 53 men pleaded not guilty to charges that also included conspiracy and unlawful assembly. They were granted bail, and their next hearing has been set for May 8.

Agencies

risingbd/DHAKA/Apr 20, 2017/Amirul