Nigerian Senate passes Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill

Nigerian Senate passes Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill
Obiora Ani, Abuja

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill 2011.

When signed into law, persons who enter into same sex marriage contract or civil union commit an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of fourteen years imprisonment.

Prohibitions

The bill also prohibits the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, their sustenance, processions and meetings as well as the public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly.

Considering the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal matters on the bill, the Senate recommended that a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex by virtue of a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria, and any benefits accruing there from by virtue of the certificate shall not be enforced by any court of law in the country.

Nigeria’s Senate President, David Mark, who applauded the passage, urged organizations in the United Kingdom which threatened to withhold their sponsorship of certain projects in Nigeria if the bill was passed to keep their money.

The bill will be sent to President Goodluck Jonathan for his assent and passage into law.

Williams