In Russia, it is now illegal for same - sex couples to hold hands and doing so can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines.5 In Nigeria, same - sex couples holding hands can face up to 10 years in prison6 and in Uganda, similar displays of affection could lead to legal execution if a controversial bill is passed that allows «aggravated homosexuality» to be punished by
death.7 Even without the risk of these extreme legal
penalties, many same - sex couples
avoid holding hands
because they fear the potential repercussions from doing so in front of the wrong person at the wrong time.8 Such fears are not irrational.