Press Release

Nigerian Woman Spared Stoning, But Danger Remains

For Immediate Release - Contact: Roy Speckhardt (202) 238-9088

(Washington, DC, September 25, 2003) Under the bright light of international attention Amina Lawal was spared from death by stoning today, when an Islamic court in the northern Nigerian city of Katsina, overturned her conviction for having a child outside marriage. “While this is a great triumph, the fact that there was ever a danger of the death sentence being imposed is a sign that more attention must be given to the growing use of Sharia or Islamic law,” said American Humanist Association Executive Director Tony Hileman.

The Nigerian Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to apply the death penalty in adultery convictions. However, in Nigeria, regional laws that contradict federal law are frequently introduced and enacted because the Nigerian constitution protects individual states from federal intrusion. So, in March 2002, following the birth of her daughter, the Sharia Court convicted Amina Lawal of adultery after she admitted to having a child while divorced. Sharia judges rejected Lawal’s first appeal in August 2002.

Hileman added, “Lawal’s acquittal establishes that a conviction should never have been made, and strengthens the Nigerian justice system at the same time it highlights the potential cruelty of Sharia law. While it’s difficult to be sure what might have happened had Lawal lacked the diverse international support she received, it certainly brought the dangers of Sharia law to the world’s attention. Now’s the time for Humanists and other people of good will to stand against all efforts to legalize brutality.

“Thanks in part to the global outcry over this tragic situation, the Nigerian Supreme Court has allowed reason to rule the day. We are proud that the AHA raised its voice in this campaign to spare Lawal, and I know a great sigh of relief will be heard as the news of her acquittal spreads. But even as we celebrate this good news we must also work to prevent further such charges from gaining traction.” Hileman announced, “Together, with the International Humanist and Ethical Union and other coalition partners, we will work to stop the spread of Sharia laws and counter it where such laws have taken hold.”

The American Humanist Association is the oldest and largest Humanist organization in the nation. The AHA is dedicated to ensuring a voice for those with a positive outlook, based on reason and experience, which embraces all of humanity.

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