Six girls in Nigeria, one as young as 12 according to press reports, were recently sentenced to 90 strokes of the cane after being accused of having sex with each other and admitting to “unspecified same-sex behaviour.”

From UK.GAY.COM:

Those who doled out the judgement also warned that a girl who apparently instigated the sex was “still at large”. Their words have been criticised by campaigners.

Outrage leader Peter Tatchell has urged members of the UK’s LGBT communities to protest to Nigeria’s High Commission in London.

He has already targeted Dr Christopher Kolade with a letter urging him to adopt a “live and let live” approach to gay people in the country.

“I urge you to call on officials to intervene to halt the planned caning of six teenage girls, aged 12 to 17, on charges of lesbianism,” he wrote.

“The punishment of 90 strokes amounts to inhumane treatment, and is contrary to the UN Convention Against Torture 1984.”

“It is particularly appalling that girls of such a young age have been sentenced to such a severe and cruel punishment.”

“Ninety strokes of the cane will cause severe skin wounds, bruising and scarring,” he added.

“I respectfully ask the Nigerian government to ensure the protection of human rights in all the states and towns in its jurisdiction.”

related: BEHIND THE MASK: a website on gay and lesbian affairs in Africa