Is ASA in trouble? | In lesbianism mess

·    To appear in court tomorrow (Friday, Feb 23, 2012)

Bukola Elemide a. k. a ASA is expected to appear before a Lagos high court tomorrow (February 24, 2012) as she has dragged a Nigerian publication to court for allegedly tagging her a lesbian in one of its publications.

The multi-award winning singer and the publisher of the publication would appear before Justice Coker at Lagos division in Igbosere by 9am tomorrow.

We gathered that the publication in question is 'News of the People.' However, other parties involved in this case remained sketchy as at the time of writing this article.

What bothers most Nigerians in this breaking story is the 14-year-jail term that has been passed into law in Nigeria (anti-gay bill) for parties involved in gay marriages. In addition, the law also kicked against the operation of gay clubs in Nigeria.

Fingers remain crossed as to what fate awaits one of Nigeria’s outstanding songbird if found guilty.

It would be recalled that the Senate had initially voted to criminalise gay marriage, gay advocacy groups and same-sex public displays of affection with a recommendation of 14 years jail term for offenders. The bill, named same sex marriage prohibition bill, which enjoyed the unanimous consent of all the senators provides in section five that: persons who entered into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commit an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 14 years in prison. Also sub-section two says that; any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly make public amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison.

The bill also states in sub-section three that: any person or group of persons that witness, abet and aid the solemnisation of a same sex marriage or civil union or support the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies, organisations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commit an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment. The bill, now much more wide-ranging than its initial draft, must be passed by the House of Representatives and signed by President Goodluck Jonathan before becoming law. However, public opinion and lawmakers calls for even harsher penalties show the widespread support for the measure.

Asa remains Nigeria’s most prominent female singer on the strength of her music and the level of success she has recorded thus far. She was born in Paris in 1982.