Police have begun enforcing Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's recently signed law banning same-sex relationships.

“Living conditions and realities for LGBT have been … hell, frustrating, challenging, demonizing, violence filled, stigma-inflicted, just name it,” says Rashidi Williams, the Organizational Director for Nigeria’s Queer Alliance, in an article by The Daily Beast. “Conditions moved from worse to worst. We are terrified as a people.”

Under the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, those convicted of same-sex relationships are sentenced to 14 years in prison. Further, those who "register, operate or participate in gay clubs, societies and organization, or make a public show of same-sex amorous relationship" are liable to a term of 10 years imprisonment. Even showing support for such organizations may lead to similar punishment.

United Nation's AIDS policy branch issued a statement warning that the law could broadly apply to HIV-awareness groups. "The new law could prevent access to essential HIV services for LGBT people who may be at high risk of HIV infection," UNAIDS stated.

Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world; an estimated 3.4 million Nigerians have the virus, according to UNAIDS.

Still, a government spokesperson told The Associated Press on Monday night: "This is a law that is in line with the people's cultural and religious inclination. So it is a law that is a reflection of the beliefs and orientation of Nigerian people. ... Nigerians are pleased with it."

Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage of LGBT-related issues here. 

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